Bulletin 67

18th June 2016 The Sikh Council UK organised a discussion on consensus based decision making model based upon Sarbat Khalsa traditions. The Sikh Council UK was developed on this model. The Sikh Panth is at a point in its history where this concept needs to be revisited and given practical shape so that important decisions can be taken by meaningful and active participation of the global Sikh community. The discussion was held at the new offices of the Council provided as sewa by the Gursewak Trust.

Secretary General and Head of Operations of Sikh Council UK visited the Harmondsworth Prison near Heathrow Airport to meet with the detainees and the prison staff to ensure that the religious and dietary needs of the Sikhs are being fully met.

12th June 2016; an urgent meeting has been called to discuss the issue of disability discrimination case that has been brought about against Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib, Wolverhampton.

14 th June 2016: a meeting took place with representatives of Gurdwaras to consider issues affecting Gurdwaras and how they may be assisted

The Sikh Council UK took part in various media debates in relation to EU referendum and took the position that Sikhs need to get fully appraised of both sides of the argument and then make an informed choice both at a personal and panthic level. Finally in the closing stages the Sikh Council UK issued the below from a panthic perspective:

Sikh Council UK Advises Vote Remain: The EU referendum will take place in the UK on 23rd June 2016. It is a decision of significant importance to the country and will affect us all in not only the short term but also impact on future generations. Sikh Council UK is advising all UK voters to vote to Remain in the EU.

In the lead up to the referendum the Sikh Council UK has supported and encouraged debate within the Sikh community so that both sides of the debate are considered including from a Sikh specific perspective in order for individual voters to make informed choices. Sikh Council UK representatives have assisted in arranging visits to Gurdwaras by leading politicians and arranged interviewees for Sikh media to engage the community on the issues.

Current polling and commentary suggests the result is likely to be extremely close. Whilst it would not be usual for us to publicise support for any one side of an argument in a national election, the vote will determine the destiny of this country and the Sikh Council UK is in a position to set out our recommendation having taken

account of the arguments on both sides and balancing what is in the longer term interest of our country and the Sikh community in the UK and the EU.

Whilst there are many legitimate concerns with the EU and its institutions and the ongoing impact on the UK of continued membership of the EU, these need to be balanced with the wider political, economic, security and human rights considerations including aspirations for religious freedoms and campaigns for justice and rights for Sikhs across the EU.

On balance the Sikh Council UK recommends a vote for the UK to remain a part of the EU. In our view the UK is a force for good in the EU and can be at the forefront of shaping the future for the betterment of Sikh and other communities across the European continent. We can most effectively do that only if we remain a part of the EU.

27th June the Sikh Council UK was represented at an event in the House of Lords to commemorate the birth of a great Sikh Misl Leader Jassa Singh Ramgarhia who was also instrumental in the capture of the red Fort in Delhi along with other Sardars. The Ramgharia Bunga adjacent to Sri harmandar sahib Complex survives to this day along with the sil (marble slab upon which once rested the Mogul Throne) that was removed by Sardar Jassa Singh

Sikh Council UK Receives Response from Mayor of Orlando; Following the massacre of innocent people in Orlando, Sikh Council UK sent condolences to the Mayor of Orlando expressing our sadness at the events and our thoughts, prayers and solidarity with the victims, their friends and families and the American people

 

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Bulletin 71

8 th October 2016 the first General Assembly of the 4th Administration took place at Guru Nanak Prakash Gurdwara Sahib – Coventry

29th October 2016 the first Executive Committee meeting of the 4th Administration took place at Ramgarhia Gurdwara Family Centre and Community College-Coventry

Progress

Preparations have been underway during this month where proformas were requested from members of the Executive Committee in expressing their interest to specific roles within the Committee. The closing date for this was 23rd October 2016.

Casework:

Sikh Council UK was approached about a query regarding the right to wear kirpan when attending court. However; it materialised the courts were not objecting to the wearing of the Kirpan but requested that the Kirpan is reasonably small and worn securely under garments. This issue was clarified to the individual who agreed that this requirement will be complied to

Sikh Council UK were contacted by a parent where her son was approached by the Head of a Grammar School in Manchester stating that beards are not part of school uniform and that the student aged 13 years would have to get it removed. The parents took this up with the school informing them that this is a religious requirement for Sikhs. The school asked for this to be confirmed in writing by a Gurdwara or Sikh Organisation. It appeared that the local Gurdwara Sahib had taken this up with the school in writing and confirming the religious reasons of keeping a beard within Sikhi. The school had not at the time of contact with SCUK responded to this causing much frustration for the parent who are now also facing a situation where the young lad who was approached by the school publicly in-front of peers has become self-conscious and is resenting having to keep a beard and why he has to look different. SCUK approached local representatives who have agreed to accompany the family to a school meeting and also spend time speaking to the young lad in instilling the pride of Sikhi and the unique identity in a positive way.

A case emerged where a lady working in school kitchens was asked to leave the premises if she was not willing to remove her patka ‘for hygiene reasons’ and replace this with the provided headgear. On refusal to remove her patka she was asked to leave immediately she challenged this as and requested to speak to the manager in informing them of the religious reasons for wearing of the patka. This matter was resolved through dialogue between them.

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Bulletin 69

13th August 2016: A Consultation event took place as a first of its kind in exploring how in the modern times the voices of the global Sikh population can be factored into key decisions which have an impact on the community. Event: Modelling a global governance in line with Sarbat-Khalsa traditions-Putting consensus based decision-making into action

15th August 2016; Ernst and Young – The above event was repeated for professional Sikhs working in the City event.

Sikh Council UK circulated The Worship Security Funding Scheme as part of the wider cross-government work to stop all forms of hate crime, and will help provide protective security measures to places of worship. Security equipment. Initial closing date of 20th September was extended to 4th October 2016

BBC Sunday morning religious show queried the influence and relevancy of religiou leaders in modern society. Sikh Council UK response:

 We don’t have a system of priesthood
 Religious authority come from AKal Takhat Sahib. This is the highest authority which
can convene teams to discuss matters and give direction
 In the modern world for most people day to day the leadership and guidance comes
from our code of conduct and SGGS ji

Home Office Tier 5 consultation: SCUK response:
Thank you for the opportunity to correspond with yourselves in connection with requestin our views to Tier 5 maintenance requirements.

Please note that it must be remembered that Tier 5 is separate to Tier 2 and the requirements are different, and Tier 5 are for temporary workers and not permanent staff and thus to get parity on the maintenance issue is intricate.

Even though we do welcome that Tier 5 and Tier 2 requirements should be equal in the aspect for maintenance the provisions for the two types of opportunities are different and the specifications of the job roles are different. The issue could become that if you want the rules to be exactly the same as of Tier 2 on maintenance what is to stop the government to state that the English requirement needs to be exactly the same too or the application fees need to be the same

In essence though the current rules do not hinder the sponsor or the migrant worker as the sponsor only needs to certify that the migrant worker will not claim public funds. There is no need for the sponsor to certify that they have funds available to the end of the first month. Does this actually harm the application? Is it necessary for the rules to be changed? Well the rules do not make much sense as the migrant worker cannot claim public funds anyway during their stay and thus such a certification is unnecessary. It would be worthwhile just for the sponsor to certify maintenance for the first month of their stay in line with Tier 2 this makes the rule clear and understandable.

When considering dependants this is again a difficult area to discuss as the sponsor is only sponsoring the worker, it is up to the worker to maintain their dependants. The issue is how many Tier 5 applicants request that their dependants also come to the UK? Can all establishments cater for the needs of the migrant workers dependants? The role is only a temporary one of which the migrant worker has to leave the UK before the expiry of 2years, will it be beneficial for them to bring their dependants with them for such a short period of time?

We do suggest that the UKVI considers each establishment upon its merits and with the supporting information provided by the establishment to show that they can accommodate the dependants. We also suggest that the rules make it clear that A rated sponsors can if need be on a Tier 5 application state that they maintain and accommodate both the migrant worker and their dependants for the first month of their stay in line with Tier 2, after the first month it is up to the migrant worker to maintain and accommodate their dependants, how they will show that will be demanding.

A broader question to consider is that a lot of applications get refused and refused on grounds that do not make much sense, there is now no chance to appeal the decision and you can however request an administrative review of which those of us who have requested it have noticed that these never get reversed and the original decision stands. Therefore a suggestion is that if an application is refused the applicant should be entitled to a fee remission towards a new application or a refund (either in full or based upon a percentage say 75-50%) this will then mean that the ECO making the decision will need to consider the application appropriately and come to a sensible decision. As currently it seems as though this is a money making scheme where applications are refused and applicants lose a lot of money on the application fees and legal/agent fees in having their paperwork prepared. In addition before lodging their application there should be a screening process where if the documents lodged are not original or papers missing these need to be told to the applicant prior to submission so these can be obtained and added to the application rather than the application being submitted and then refused to say bank books/statements are not original, adverts are missing etc. This will have a better impact on applications help migrant workers obtain visas and be cost effective.

2. It on the face of it seems very favourable however there are fears for sponsors along the lines that salary rates for tier 2 are much higher and i have not heard of anyone sponsoring under tier 2 for the last decade or so since the current system has been in force.

There is a danger that conditions for tier 2 Minister of Religion category could be adapted to tier 5 Religious Worker thereby raising qualification entry requirement standards for applicants beyond the level required for standard granthi duties. This could create a terrible shortfall of staffing essential for providing core Gurdwara services.

3. With reference to your proposal for sponsors to certify maintenance for Tier 5 Dependents of a sponsored migrant, I am in the opinion that the current maintenance clause is sufficient to cater for the Gurdwara needs. My concern is that it will put more responsibility on sponsors and it could lead to misuse of the sponsored route.

4. We would agree that the Immigration Rules should be amended to bring the rules concerning the certification of maintenance by A-rated Sponsors of Tier 5 Migrants and their dependants in line with those Tier 2 Migrants.

Tier 5 Sponsors just as Tier 2 Sponsors have gone through a vigorous Home Office application and checks in order to become A-rated licence holders. The Home Office has accepted that they meet compliance and HR criteria.

It appears only logical that the certification of maintenance requirements for Tier 5 migrants and dependants be brought in line with that of Tier 2.

The Tier 5 Sponsor licence holder is in a position to certify maintenance for the Tier 5 Migrant and dependant but at present not being offered the same opportunity as a Tier 2 licence holder to certify maintenance.

Given that appropriate checks have already been carried out by UK Visas and Immigration and hence the award of an A-rated licence, we can see no reason why the opportunity to certify maintenance in this way would not be afforded.

As a Tier 5 Licence holder we can think of many situations where we would be more than happy to certify maintenance for the Tier 5 Migrant and their dependants if it meant securing the right person for the post at hand. We can see no reason why we should not have the opportunity to offer accommodation and subsistence to Tier 5 Migrants and their dependants.

An enquiry was made for insurance cover for gatka classes- unfortunately none of the Brokers approached could provide cover so the matter was passed on to those running the Gatka classes to pursue.

Following an incident of Beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji having been thrown over gates of a Gurdwara Sahib by a person. The Council actively liaised with all parties and the Pardan of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara in Bradford over the matter which materialised as an insensitive and clumsy manner in which a person threw the suroop of SGGS ji over the gate by way of returning this to the Gurdwara having lost both parents and no longer required the Suroop. The Gurdwara was closed at time of arrival. Fortunately the Suroop was not extensively damaged and the individual was identified by the Police.

The person was a female who apologised for the offence caused due to poor knowledge. Several meetings took place with differ not parties to try an amicably resolve the issue of alleged discrimination of people with disabilities at a Gurdwara Sahib in Wolverhampton. As a result several refinements were agreed but regrettable it would appear that the matter may yet go before the courts.

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UK Granted Asylum person Parmjeet Singh’s safe return from Portugal.

Dear Your MPs name
Arrest of Paramjeet Singh in Portugal on 18 December 2015
I am writing to you regarding my concerns for the above named person who has been residing in the UK for the past 20 years and granted asylum by the Home Office. Paramjeet Singh has indefinite leave to remain in the UK and his children aged 4 to 12 are British citizens.
His constituency MP John Spellar has been assisting the family since his arrest and has shared the following information with officials at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and kept the family updated through community contacts.
Paramjeet arrived in Portugal on the 18th December 2015 with his wife and children for a family holiday and was arrested by Interpol from the hotel where they were staying. He was presented to court the following day and became aware of a request from the Indian authorities to extradite him to India.
Indian media sources claim Paramjeet Singh is wanted for questioning by police in relation to the 2009 death of Rulda Singh, head of the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, a wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The RSS is a far-right Indian nationalist group complicit in communal killings and associated with fascism.
The case was already investigated in an 11 month joint investigation with Indian and British police in 2010 and the evidence was unsatisfactory for Paramjeet Singh to be charged.
The British Government has granted Paramjeet Singh asylum as the authorities were convinced his life would be in danger if returned to India. His elder brother was tortured in jail and was subsequently killed in a case which remains unsolved.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has thus far not done enough for Paramjeet Singh and his family by ensuring Paramjeet Singh is returned to the UK.  The British authorities appear to have been slow in sharing relevant information with the Portugese Government, such as why they have given protection to Paramjeet Singh and if extradited he may never see his family and especially his children again.
It is disappointing that the initial court decision in Portugal has been to give the Indian authorities until 4 January 2016 to present evidence for Paramjeet Singh’s extradiction when the British authorities already have all the information needed to secure his release and return to the UK.
I would be grateful if you could raise concerns with the Foreign Secretary and the Portugese Embassy and send me a copy of your letter and any responses. We urge you to request Portugal to return Paramjeet Singh immediately to the UK where he has been resident and if India has any case for it be presented to the British courts.  The Sikh community believes there is a risk of this happening to others and is extremely anxious.
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Gurdwaras Agree on Anand Karaj

At a meeting held at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara,Southall, Gurdwaras today agreedon a numberof issues regarding a consistent approachtowards booking of Anand Karaj in Gurdwaras.

Sikh Council UK facilitated a meeting in partnership with Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Southall of Gurdwara parbhandaks to discuss protocols regarding Anand Karaj ceremonies.

Over 180 representatives of Gurdwaras from across the UK attended in person with written submissions from many other Gurdwaras, organisations and individuals. In a session lasting over three hours and with contributions from over 50 representatives decisions were reached on several resolutions by consensus. Resolutions agreed allow Gurdwaras to develop a consistent approach towards booking Anand Karaj ceremonies. The meeting began with Sikh Council UK Secretary General circulating and announcing details of proposals that had been put forward and that were to be debated.

Resolutions agreed include:

  • That all Sikhs, whether those involved in Gurdwara managements or those who
    have been involved in protests are all ultimately working to achieve the same ends.
  • That only a Sikh in accordance with the Sikh Rehat Maryada definition is allowed to
    be married in accordance with the Anand Karaj ceremony
  • That a person of non-Sikh origin who accepts the Sikh faith should demonstrate
    formal acceptance of this by including Singh or Kaur in their name.
  • That any person of any community which has a historical tradition of following many
    tenets of the Sikh Faith and regularly engage in religious ceremonies and contribute
    to the Gurdwaras should be accepted for the Anand Karaj ceremony without
    question.
  • Gurdwaras agree there should be put in place appropriate processes, procedures
    and resources to allow for education and reflection by couples prior to Anand Karaj
    booking being confirmed.
  • Sikh Council UK is requested to coordinate the development of appropriate
    education processes, procedures and resources for use by Gurdwaras. Sikh
    Council UK will involve organisations and individuals including youth organisations
    in this developmental work.
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Sikh Council UK condemns murder of Sardar Satwinder Singh Bhola

Sikh Council UK condemns the murder of S. Satwinder Singh Bhola on 17th August 2015 in Chicago, United States. He was the son-inlaw of Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa who is currently on hunger strike in India for the release of Sikh political prisoners who have the served the mandatory terms of their sentences.

S.Satwinder Singh was a political activist who at one time was the spokesperson for the influential All India Sikh Students Federation (now known as Sikh Students Federation)

Cllr Gurdial Singh Atwal, Chair of the Indian Subcontinent Affairs Committee said “We express our condolences to the family of S.Satwinder Singh and our prayers are with them at this sad time.

We urge the relevant authorities in the United States to conduct a robust investigation to establish the facts and prosecute the culprits”

 

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Marriage and Anand Karaj Ceremony

The Sikh Council UK is concernedby recent events at some Gurdwaras where Anand Karaj ceremonieshave taken place whereone partneris not of Sikh origin and also by the protests thathave taken place in an attempt to stop these ceremonies.

Sikh Council UK believes there is a clear distinction between the act of marriage in the UK which is a civil act and defined and carried out in accordance with the laws of the UK and the religious Anand Karaj ceremony which is pursued in addition by Sikhs.

The recent protests have resulted in increasingly acrimonious rhetoric which is damaging to relations within the community and will not assist in resolving these issues. Sikh Council UK believes there is no place for any behaviour or rhetoric in Gurdwaras that is aggressive and would ask individuals and organisations including Gurdwara managements to carefully consider the impact of their speech and actions on the wider community. Sikh Council UK believes there is no place for violent behaviour in Gurdwaras.

In October 2014, Sikh Council UK approved and published guidelines to help develop a consistent approach towards Anand Karaj ceremonies where one partner is not of Sikh origin. The guidelines were developed over two years and following four rounds of comprehensive consultation with all sectors of the community including Gurdwara managements, Sikh organisations and individuals.

The guidance was prepared in response to requests from Gurdwaras for assistance in reconciling different aspects of established Sikh beliefs with practices that had developed over a period of time. In preparing the guidance detailed consideration was given to four

key aspects:

1. The teachings of Gurbani and of the Gurus.

2. The requirements of the adopted Sikh Rehat Maryada (Sikh code of conduct and conventions).

3. The requirements of the Sandesh (clarifying edict) issued by Sri Akal Takhat Sahib (the temporal authority for Sikhs based in Amritsar) in 2007 on this subject.

4. The practice amongst some communities who have a historical tradition of following many tenets of the Sikh faith and regularly engage in Sikh religious ceremonies and contribute to Gurdwaras yet do not practice the use of ‘Singh’ or ‘Kaur’ in their names.

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Campaign for Release of Sikh Prisoners

The Sikh Council UK reaffirms support for the ongoing campaign for the release of Sikh prisoners in India. The campaign has recently received a massive boost due to the ongoing and lengthy hunger strike by Bapu Surat Singh.

Many of the prisoners were imprisoned during the 1980’s and 1990’s using extremely regressive and draconian legislation that was specifically enacted and gave extraordinary powers to the Police and Army. This was in response to a campaign in support of the legitimate claims of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution including for improved access to water and electricity, recognition for the Punjabi language, location of the State capital within the State etc – in effect a campaign for better rights and treatment for the State and its people. Indiscriminate use of these powers has subsequently been described as genocide of Sikhs.

A campaign has continued for many years for the release of these prisoners some of whom have already served extremely lengthy sentences, or may be in ill health, or are very elderly. In some cases the legitimacy of the conviction itself can be questioned and in some cases the imprisoned person is subject to further proceedings in cases that have already spanned many years.

Sikh Council UK commends all those in the Punjab and across the world who have campaigned for many years on this issue and worked to support the prisoners and their families.

The hunger strike by Bapu Surat Singh has served to galvanise the community behind the campaign and through his personal sacrifice, Bapu Surat Singh has raised awareness of the issue in a manner that is unprecedented.

Sikh Council UK is aware there are essentially two strands to the ongoing campaign – legal and political. It is important that both of these strands are pursued simultaneously to seek redress for the individual prisoners but also to effect change for the better in India.

Sikh Council UK believes all efforts need to continue to take full advantage of due legal recourse and processes. A recent decision by the Supreme Court has restored the power of discretion available to State Governments, albeit with some exceptions. Where appropriate these powers of discretion should be vigorously pursued.

Sikh Council UK is also aware that a number of Sikh prisoners have repeatedly been granted parole on a number of occasions. Based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds Sikh Council UK calls on these prisoners to be granted indefinite parole.

Sikh Council UK is aware that Sikh Organisation for Prisoner Welfare (SOPW), an affiliate organisation of Sikh Council UK, have done a great deal of work supporting prisoners and their families and have a legal team in India working on this issue as well as having a senior representative on the Bapu Surat Singh Sangarash (Coordinating) Committee.

Sikh Council UK is supportive of the work being done by SOPW and others including various Advocates in India and is in regular dialogue with many of these.

As well as the legal strand there is also a strand of the campaign that is focused on achieving political change to address these issues. Many of the concerns that Sikhs were campaigning on prior to and during the 1980’s and 1990’s are just as relevant today. These issues will essentially require a political settlement.

Many of these Sikh prisoners were originally pursued, prosecuted, convicted and imprisoned under the powers of the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, commonly referred to as TADA. This legislation was widely recognised to be extremely regressive and draconian and led to widespread violations of human rights in the Punjab. The discredited TADA was eventually allowed to lapse in 1995 yet those who were imprisoned under its powers remain languishing in prison. Sikh Council UK calls on Indian legislators to address this severe inconsistency as a matter of urgency.

Many affiliate organisations of Sikh Council UK are extremely active in campaigning for these changes and have been so for many years. Similarly there are many others who are campaigning across the world on these issues.

Recent collective campaigning efforts in the UK have included protests, demonstrations, meetings, lobbying of Parliament and of individual politicians, Parliamentary Early Day Motion, letter writing, media work, raising awareness in Gurdwaras, liaising with human rights organisations etc. Whereas Sikh Federation UK have had meetings with the USA Embassy in the UK (as Bapu Surat Singh residing in the USA), as well as writing to MP’s.

Sikh Council UK believes the massive awareness raised by Bapu Surat Singh’s hunger strike has galvanised the whole community into action and strengthened and rejuvenated the campaign. Where appropriate, Sikh Council UK will continue to support these campaigning efforts and to raise this issue with relevant authorities either directly or through our affiliated member organisations or third parties.

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Press Release – SCUK 0915 – Jammu & Kashmir

Sikh Council UK Condemns Violence and Demands Action from Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister

The Sikh Council UK condemns the violence in Jammu and Kashmir, India resulting in the death of at least one Sikh and is appealing for calm on both sides as well as writing to the Chief Minister demanding decisive action to hold the Police to account for their actions.

The origin of these events is reported as the tearing down of a poster commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Indian Army attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar by Police officers and has been seen as a provocative and inflammatory act, as well as being an infringement of the right to free speech and freedom of expression in a democratic country.

The Sikh Council UK totally condemns the use of live ammunition and resultant shooting dead of a Sikh as totally unacceptable in any circumstances in a democratic country. Whilst reaffirming our support for peaceful protest we would urge all concerned to exercise restraint in the face of provocation and to refrain from any act of violent behavior.

The use of live ammunition in a modern, civilised and democratic nation is an unacceptable and outdated method for policing demonstrations. It is inexcusable for the Police to be shooting its own civilians with live ammunition.

This disproportionate force appears to illustrate the perceived hostility that the State has towards Sikhs in India. The international Sikh Community are concerned that innocent Sikhs are still becoming victims of Police terror as they were during the 1980s and 1990s and once again question whether any justice is available to Sikhs living in India.

The Sikh Council UK is also alarmed by the imposition of a media and internet service blackout in Jammu and Kashmir. This appears to indicate that the Police wishes to deploy underhand and sinister methods to suppress the protests without media scrutiny in a similar fashion to the state censorship that occurred during Operation Bluestar and the massacre of Sikhs in Delhi in 1984.

The use of a media and internet service blackout does nothing to ease tensions within the Sikh community but will only serve to inflame and create a sense of widespread panic and vulnerability for Sikhs living in Jammu and Kashmir. These methods have no place in a democratic society in which individual human rights as well as law and order are respected

In a letter to the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Sikh Council UK has demanded he takes decisive action towards ensuring that the responsible Police officers are formally investigated and appropriately held to account for their failures in properly managing this situation. The letter also seeks confirmation of measures he has already taken and that he proposes to take to ensure the return of law and order whilst respecting the Sikh community right to protest.

The letter is copied to the Jammu & Kashmir Minister for Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs and Relief & Rehabilitation, the Minister of Home Affairs in the Union Government of India and the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom.

We note media reports of a FIR being registered against a Police officer alleged to have fired the round that took the life of a Sikh. We look forward to seeing due process being observed and justice being delivered to the Sikhs family.

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Safer Sikhs Partnership Urges Police Forces to act on Findings of Report

Safer Sikhs Partnership welcomes an honest and much needed review of Police management of child abuse cases across the UK by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.

We urge all authorities to act on the findings of this report and to adopt a coordinated approach to protecting children from all communities across the UK.

Amongst the report’s findings is the suggestion “that there is, therefore, likely to be underrecording of abuse and neglect within the child protection system. We are not satisfied that the details of children who come to the attention of child protection agencies are being properly recorded.”

Safer Sikhs Partnership believes that cultural sensitivity and awareness needs to be further improved amongst front line staff within Police forces and other child protection agencies. Authorities need to take a coordinated approach, working with different communities and to develop training programs reflective of today’s diverse communities across the UK.

More work is required to tackle the perceptions and myths around child abuse and child sexual exploitation particularly in relation to different cultural settings and communities in respect of both victims and perpetrators. Realities are often masked by a lack of reporting and by a lack of appropriate recording by the authorities.

Safer Sikhs Partnership is an initiative of the Sikh Council UK bringing together professionals and experts to raise awareness, improve responses and tackle safeguarding issues against vulnerable people within the Sikh community, in our Gurdwaras and other organisations and against threats to children of all communities in the UK.

Safer Sikhs Partnership are working with the Sikh community to ensure best safeguarding practices amongst the Sikh community. We are actively working to make children aware of risks and create environments where children can have confidence to speak up on abuse and exploitation. We will be working with national bodies and authorities to improve understanding and awareness of cultural issues which play a pivotal role in child protection.

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