India urges Canada to step up security measures and tackle hate speech at UN meeting

In a diplomatic move, India has put forth recommendations to Canada, urging the nation to enhance measures aimed at preventing attacks on places of worship and effectively addressing hate speech. These suggestions were presented during the UN Human Rights Council Review meeting, where diplomats from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka shared insights and recommendations.

During the Council address, Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain highlighted Canada’s legislative enactments, such as the National Housing Strategy Act and the Accessible Canada Act. He emphasized the necessity to strengthen domestic frameworks to curb the misuse of freedom of expression, particularly in inciting violence.

India’s recommendations to Canada encompassed preventing the activities of extremist groups, safeguarding places of worship for religious and racial minorities, and enhancing measures to combat hate crimes and hate speech.

Bangladesh acknowledged Canada’s advancements in human rights protection but suggested intensified efforts against racism, hate speech, hate crimes, and discrimination, particularly directed at migrants and Muslim minorities. Additionally, Bangladesh advocated for measures to reduce carbon emissions and encouraged international cooperation to address the impacts of climate change.

Sri Lanka proposed that Canada accede to the Convention on the Protection of Rights of All Migrant Workers and take actions against racial discrimination affecting immigrant rights. The diplomat stressed the importance of countering misinformation targeting minority communities and reinforcing the national mechanism for reporting on human rights recommendations.

This diplomatic exchange follows recent tensions between India and Canada, prompted by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusation of India violating the Vienna Convention. Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Consequently, this standoff led to Canada withdrawing diplomats from India and suspending visa services in several consulates.