Linked statement

“I am presenting a petition about human rights in India. The petitioners say Christians and Muslims there face violence and attacks from extremists. They want Canada to include strict human rights rules in any trade deals with India, punish these extremists, and push India to protect human rights.”

“Mr. Speaker, I assure members that I only have one petition to present today. 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 United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, various actors are supporting and enforcing sectarian policies that seek to establish India as a Hindu state. The petitioners say that Christians in India are being targeted by extremists vandalizing their churches, attacking church workers, and threatening and humiliating their congregations. They also note that Indian Muslims are at risk of genocide, assault and sexual violence. The petitioners are asking that the government ensure that any and all trade deals with India are premised on mandatory human rights provisions, that extremists are sanctioned and that the government promote a respectful human rights dialogue between Canada and India.”