Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All

UNITED SIKHS continues to derive inspiration from what started over 300 years ago, championing the voices of the unheard and advocating for the civil and human rights of minorities and marginalized communities.  For nearly a quarter of a century, we have been dedicatedly upholding these principles through our International Civil and Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA) program.

The Sikh Gurus have always been symbols of justice, peace, and freedom for all. In the 1600s, the Kashmiri Hindus, facing religious persecution under the Mughal Emperor, sought refuge with the Ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar. Upholding the core principles of Sikhism – the right to life and human dignity, religious freedom, universality, self-determination, interdependence, indivisibility, equality, and non-discrimination – Guru Tegh Bahadar and his followers engaged in dialogue and stood resolutely for ‘Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All’. Their unwavering stance against tyranny ultimately led to their martyrdom, further cementing these principles in Sikh history.

Almost after 340+ years we see these principles in the form of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR). ICCPR aims to protect and preserve basic human rights, such as: the right to life and human dignity; equality before the law; free speech, assembly, and association; religious freedom and privacy; freedom from torture, ill-treatment; gender equality; the right to a fair trial; right to family life and family unity; and minority rights. The Covenant compels governments to take administrative, judicial, and legislative measures in order to protect the rights enshrined in the treaty and to provide an effective remedy. The Covenant was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1966 and came into force in 1976.

Who are the Sahibzadey? 

Baba Ajit Singh (18), Baba Jujhar Singh(14), Baba Zorawar Singh (9), Baba Fateh Singh (7)  were sons of the tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, and are referenced as Sahibzadey. The Sahibzadey are an eternal symbol of courage, standing resolutely against tyranny, and embodying the defense of human rights and religious freedom.

After the martyrdom of the Ninth Sikh Guru in 1600’s, his son Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib continued to defend the charter on human rights and the principle of ‘Universality’ enshrined as “Recognizing the Human Race as One”, and exercised the right to self-defense by arming the Sikhs against injustice and tyranny.  Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh displayed remarkable bravery in the battle of Chamkaur Sahib. Facing a formidable force of one million troops combined with Mughals and Hindu hill chiefs with only forty (40) Sikhs, they volunteered to join the battle and sacrificed their lives for justice and resistance against the Mughal oppression. Their younger brothers, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, aged 9 and 7, also showed extraordinary courage. Despite threats and enticements to renounce their faith, they chose martyrdom and were bricked alive in Sirhind.

UNITED SIKHS’ ICHRA (International Civil Human Rights and Advocacy) plays a pivotal role in raising global awareness about minority communities, including Sikhs, their articles of faith, and the significance of the turban. This advocacy helps ensure that these communities can practice their faith freely. Active across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia, ICHRA is dedicated to protecting and enforcing the civil and human rights of Sikhs and other minority groups. This work involves shaping policies that empower communities, tackling discrimination, and ensuring the right to practice faith freely and with dignity. ICHRA also focuses on bringing hate crime perpetrators to justice through education, dialogue, and legal channels.

In October, our ICHRA team achieved a significant victory by successfully getting false charges dismissed against Giani Harmel Singh, who had been wrongfully arrested in New York. This outcome underscores our commitment to justice and the protection of individual rights.

Our legal team recently exerted tireless efforts to ensure the tragic death of 66-year-old Jasmer Singh was recognized as a hate crime. This is part of our broader initiative to combat hate crimes against Sikhs and other minority groups. Additionally, we successfully assisted a mother in obtaining a visa to visit her critically ill son in the U.S., a case that was previously stalled due to unwarranted ‘watchlist’ classification. These efforts, combined with contributions from other community groups, also led to the University of North Carolina Charlotte issuing an apology for the unfair detention of a Sikh student for wearing a kirpan on campus.

Project Kirti

UNITED SIKHS’ Project Kirti, launched this year, is dedicated to aiding individuals struggling to find stable employment. Through this initiative, we empower families by providing essential resources and training for self-employment. This includes distributing e-rickshaws, sewing machines, and welding machines, as well as setting up food carts. Additionally, we offer turban training and establish sales centers, directly assisting families in need with sustainable livelihood options.

Project Vaapsi

Project Vaapsi is our initiative aimed at rescuing young individuals ensnared in the grips of drug addiction, offering them an opportunity for a fresh start in life. In this project, community members step in as supportive buddies, providing emotional support and fostering socialization rooted in Sikh values and traditions. This approach is designed to aid those struggling with addiction, helping them reintegrate into society with renewed purpose and direction.

Sahibzadey Winter Giving Drive

Inspired by the courage and bravery of the Sahibzadey, and honoring their courage and compassion, we organized a special winter giving drive in two locations in New Jersey and several others around the UK and Canada. People donated blankets, quilts, winter clothing, educational toys and books, along with daily essentials for those in need.

We cannot do this work without you! Help us continue on this journey by making a donation today!

Jasleen Kaur

UNITED SIKHS

Recognize the Human Race as One