The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) will organize an international conference on the theme "Combating Transnational Repression by the Government of India: Sikh Resistance and the UN" in Geneva, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The event will bring together influential representatives of the Sikh diaspora from Canada, the UK, Australia, and the U.S, as well as individuals who are direct victims of India’s repressive policies.

The conference will feature discussions on the threats and repressive policies of the Indian government that have forced ethnic communities to leave the country, Sikh activists, diaspora leaders, and their families abroad, who in recent times have faced increasing attacks and terror threats from Indian authorities, highlighting concerns over cross-border repression and violations of fundamental human rights.

The event will cover the key topics such as the necessity of drawing the attention of international organizations to the aforementioned issues, the possibilities of bringing the Indian government's repressive policies against ethnic minorities both domestically and abroad to the agenda of the UN and its relevant bodies, particularly the more effective application of existing procedures and mechanisms within the framework of the Human Rights Council, as well as the systematic documentation by UN rapporteurs specializing in cross-border issues, ethnic minorities, and their rights of the unlawful persecution and pressure by the Indian government against the Sikh community, the importance of further strengthening accountability and monitoring mechanisms at the global level to prevent such cases, and the Indian government's responsibility at the international level.

The conference will be followed by a presentation of the Baku Initiative Group and the Sikh Federation’s joint report, as well as an opportunity for media representatives to ask questions.