Mr. Speaker, the second petition I have is from Canadians across the country who are concerned about human rights protections in India. The petitioners say that, according to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, various actors are supporting and enforcing sectarian policies seeking to establish India as a Hindu state.
The petitioners are saying that Christians in India are being targeted by extremists vandalizing their churches, attacking church workers and threatening or intimidating the congregations. The petitioners also state that crimes against the Dalit groups, including Dalit women and girls, are increasing. The petitioners say that Indian Muslims are also at risk of genocide, assault and sexual assault.
The petitioners ask the Government of Canada to ensure that all trade deals with India are premised on mandatory human rights provisions, that extremists are sanctioned and that the government promotes respectful human rights dialogue between Canada and India.