Casework:
Two separate cases have been brought to attention of Sikh Council in which individual were stopped as part of the Dastar security search while travelling through at Antigo airport they were made to remove their Dastars allegedly in an abrupt and disrespectful way. The new EU regulations were sent to the individuals to assist with their dialogue with the authorities for the said airport.
A Sikh prisoner in Vienna, Austria resorted to a hunger strike protest in a bid to get his voice heard and in objection to the disrespectful way of handling of pothi sahibs during random cell searches where sniffer dogs are also used.
The matter was addressed by Sikh Council UK along with local Austria organisations by writing to the prison authorities who appeared forthcoming in acknowledging and addressing the concerns. The Sikh prisoner has since agreed to stop the hunger strike protest and has received reassurance that all organisations and individuals within Vienna will work towards a fast and satisfactory outcome in liaison with the prison authorities. Italian Sikhs made contact with an issue relating to Kirpan.
An individual faced an issue when he visited a hospital during which police were called and he was subsequently arrested. A letter of support highlighting the importance of the Kirpan was requested from Sikh Council UK. In addition to this we also provided EHRC guidelines
Interfaith:
To mark the 100th anniversary of World War One, Sikh Council UK sponsored a multi faith calendar to use the occasion to build upon inter-faith relations throughout London.
Media:
Sikh Council UK representatives engaged with numerous TV, radio and print media including all three Sikh TV channels as well as mainstream media in the UK and across the world in relation to disclosure of documents regarding UK Government involvement in 1984. Voluntary Return Scheme Project: The large number of inquiries generated from limited media coverage indicates the scheme is popular and in high demand.
