Globally, the persistence of capital punishment in many countries, the genocide of entire communities such as in Palestine under the guise of counterterrorism, and the inhuman atrocities that spare neither women nor children, represent shameless violations of the fundamental right to life, calling into question the global commitment to human rights. Pondering on 10 December International Human Rights Day today, WSN columnist Ishwinder Singh Dakha shares numerous questions that arose in his mind, leading him to construct a viewpoint as to how should the Sikh community observe the Human Rights Day.

Granting Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana only three hours of parole to attend his brother’s final prayers, while repeatedly allowing a convicted rapist Baba Ram Rahim, extended furloughs and parole highlights the blatant violation of human rights of Sikh political prisoners detained in jails.

Despite having served their sentences, Sikh political prisoners remain incarcerated, while those responsible for killing thousands of Sikhs in 1984 are rewarded with governmental positions instead of facing punishment. Victims continue to be denied justice, and are made to feel alienated, raising serious questions about the very existence of human rights for citizens of this nation.

The case of disabled human rights activist Prof. G.N. Saibaba, who wrote hundreds of letters seeking medical treatment during his eight years in prison but was ignored, and who passed away within six months of his release, is a cause for concern regarding the human rights of all prisoners.

Targeting minorities based on caste and religion, demolishing their homes, destroying their livelihoods, and denying them the right to worship, interfering in their religious affairs and their religious institutions, raises grave concerns about the protection of the human rights of all minorities in India.

Targeting minorities based on caste and religion, demolishing their homes, destroying their livelihoods, and denying them the right to worship, interfering in their religious affairs and their religious institutions, raises grave concerns about the protection of the human rights of all minorities in India.

The plight of farmers worldwide who struggle for survival, the state’s policies that deprive common citizens of essential resources to enrich capitalists, and the deliberate destruction of generations by addiction instead of providing gainful employment opportunities raise serious questions about the future of human civilization.

Celebrating Human Rights Day as Sikhs
December 10 is celebrated globally as Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. On this day, governments, NGOs, political and non-political organizations, and academic institutions worldwide reflect on past violations of human rights, renew their commitment to protect these rights in the future, and remember leaders who fought for these rights.

Sikhs should celebrate Human Rights Day as a festival. While “Sarbat da Bhala” (the well-being of all) is a part of our daily prayer, this day should be marked with special prayers in Gurdwaras and dedicated programs. The Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib should issue a message from the Takht, encouraging the Sikh community to commemorate this day.

Sikhs should celebrate Human Rights Day as a festival. While “Sarbat da Bhala” (the well-being of all) is a part of our daily prayer, this day should be marked with special prayers in Gurdwaras and dedicated programs. The Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib should issue a message from the Takht, encouraging the Sikh community to commemorate this day.

Sikhs have a deep connection with human rights. The entire Sikh history is rich with countless examples of defending these rights. On this day, we must narrate these stories to our people, especially children, inspiring them to walk the talk of protecting human rights. Schools, colleges, and universities should educate students about human rights and their protection. Discussions should focus on the lives and struggles of leaders who championed human rights. Guru Sahib’s message of human rights protection should not be confined to educational institutions but echoed in villages, towns, and from Gurdwara stages. Exhibitions depicting violations of human rights should be organized, and relevant literature should be published and distributed.

Today, Sikhs live in nearly every corner of the world, giving us a unique opportunity to convey our message globally. On this day, Sikhs should gather in front of embassies of countries violating human rights, offer prayers for universal peace and brotherhood, and demonstrate solidarity with the oppressed. From various religious and political platforms, we must demand the release of Sikh political prisoners and advocate for the release of political prisoners worldwide. We must pray at the feet of Bandhi Chhor Guru  -Guru Hargobind Sahib and build pressure on governments to secure their release.

Today, Sikhs live in nearly every corner of the world, giving us a unique opportunity to convey our message globally. On this day, Sikhs should gather in front of embassies of countries violating human rights, offer prayers for universal peace and brotherhood, and demonstrate solidarity with the oppressed.

Drawing inspiration from Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life, Sikhs should call for global peace and appeal for ceasefires in war-torn regions like Ukraine and Palestine. Just as Guru Nanak confronted Babur for his tyranny, Sikhs must advocate for an end to wars and deliver a message of peace.

Alongside condemning the illegal killings of Sikhs abroad, we must pledge solidarity with communities worldwide who suffer similar atrocities.

Raising awareness within the Sikh community about the erosion of religious, political, and self-determination rights, and opposing such violations, is essential. Sikhs must also resist government interference and occupation of their religious institutions while advocating for the protection of the rights of other communities.

As Gurbani teaches, Sikhs should neither instill fear in others nor accept fear themselves. On this day, Sikhs should remember Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom and oppose forced religious conversions anywhere in the world, even if it requires sacrificing their lives.

As Gurbani teaches, Sikhs should neither instill fear in others nor accept fear themselves. On this day, Sikhs should remember Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom and oppose forced religious conversions anywhere in the world, even if it requires sacrificing their lives.

Today, I cannot help but reflect that Sikhs have sacrificed their lives to defend human rights, but they have also endured long periods of suffering due to the denial of their own rights. Today, even as Sikhs fight for their identity and existence globally, we must draw inspiration from the principles laid by our Gurus and remain ever-ready to raise our voices against human rights violations. It is imperative that we educate our future generations about these rights because only when our children are aware will they be able to fight for their protection.

Let us strive to rise above differences of religion, caste, race, or colour every December 10, and unite to reclaim lost rights and oppose ongoing violations with renewed commitment and determination