Sikhs Unite to Create a Global Sikh Alliance for Justice at the UNITED SIKHS 5th Annual Global Conference in Paris
PARIS, Aug. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 200 participants attended the two day conference in France from all over the world. The theme of the UNITED SIKHS 5th Global Sikh Civil and Human Rights Conference was based upon the landmark decision of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in 76 year old French resident Ranjit Singh's turban case. The world community needs to pressurize France to follow the UN decision. Topics discussed included: Turban Ban in Europe, 1984 Pogroms, Death Penalty and Preserving Sikh Heritage.
The prominent issue of the turban for the European Sikhs continues as yet another incident was reported. Manjit Singh GK, President, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), was requested to remove his "hat" by security officers at Rome's airport just a week ago. "UNITED SIKHS informed me that on the 25th of February 2013, a UN Resolution was passed that you cannot check a turban by taking it off."
"The Sikh identity has to be defended like a nation defends its borders - with vigor and resources. UNITED SIKHS has set up a special Fund called "INSAAF" (International Sikh Advocacy and Awareness Fund). We ask every Sikh who receives this message to donate their dasvandh (tithe) to this Fund," said UNITED SIKHS International Legal Director, Mejindarpal Kaur in her video statement from Sangat TV's London studios.
The delegates determined that Sikh issues need to be resolved locally with assistance from experts from Sikh communities around the world. "The Conference declared that a Global Sikh Alliance should be formed and that there is a need to have a Global Sikh Assembly every year, based on the concept of "Guru Granth, Guru Panth" and the tradition of "Sarbat Khalsa", said Sukhvinder Singh Padda, representing the Sikh Council UK and also a Senior Advisor to the Sikh Federation UK.
Manwinder Singh, Legal Director of UNITED SIKHS-USA, said "There is a need for greater communication and networking between Sikh Organizations and Institutions that are working on issues affecting Sikhs globally, the Global Sikh Alliance will not only make best use of resources collectively. It will be an opportunity to share our success and meet challenges together."
http://unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-20-08-2013-00.html
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