Madam Speaker, the next petition I have to present today is from Canadians from across this country who are concerned about the human rights protections in India.
The petitioners say that according to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, various actors are supporting and enforcing sectarian policies and seeking to establish a religious state in India. The petitioners say that Christians in India are being targeted by extremists who are vandalizing their churches, attacking church workers, and threatening and humiliating their congregations. They also say that crimes against the Dalit community, including Dalit women and girls, are increasing. The petitioners also note that Indian Muslims are at risk of genocide, assault and sexual violence.
The petitioners are asking the government to ensure that all trade deals with India are premised on mandatory human rights provisions, that extremists are sanctioned, and that the government promotes respectful human rights dialogue between Canada and India.