In a noteworthy diplomatic maneuver, India has proactively put forth recommendations at the UN Human Rights Council Review meeting, urging Canada to enhance safeguards against attacks on places of worship and to effectively combat hate speech. During this significant diplomatic gathering, diplomats from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka shared insights and proposals.
Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain underscored legislative enactments such as the National Housing Strategy Act and the Accessible Canada Act while addressing these concerns at the Council meeting. Simultaneously, Bangladesh diplomat Abdullah Al Forhad called for intensified efforts by Canada in combating racism, hate speech, hate crimes, and discrimination against migrants and Muslim minorities. Al Forhad lauded Canada’s strides in protecting human rights and combatting human trafficking but emphasized the need for further action in these specific areas.
India’s recommendations to Canada included strengthening the domestic framework against the misuse of freedom of expression that incites violence, disallowing activities of extremist groups, and preventing attacks on places of worship for religious and racial minorities. Sri Lankan diplomat Thilini Jayasekara also urged Canada to ratify the Convention on the Protection of Rights of All Migrant Workers, take steps against racial discrimination, counter misinformation against minority communities, and fortify its national mechanism for comprehensive reporting on global human rights recommendations.
These diplomatic exchanges come in the wake of Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing India of violating the Vienna Convention, leading to a diplomatic crisis and the relocation of Canadian diplomats from India. India has firmly rejected these accusations, emphasizing its commitment to diplomatic norms and asserting that Canada provides safe haven to terrorists despite India’s concerns.
