Madam Speaker, I rise to present a petition on behalf of Canadians who are concerned about human rights protections in India. The petitioners are saying that, according to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, various actors are supporting and enforcing sectarian policies to establish India as a Hindu state.
The petitioners are stating that Christians in India are being targeted by extremists, who are vandalizing their churches, attacking church workers, and threatening and humiliating their congregations. The petitioners are also stating that crimes against the Dalit group are on the rise. They note as well that Indian Muslims are at risk of genocide, assault and sexual violence.
The petitioners are asking the Government of Canada to ensure that any trade deal with India is premised on mandatory human rights provisions, that extremists are sanctioned and that the Government promote a respectful human rights dialogue between Canada and India.