General information

The Sikh Human Rights Group (SHRG) is a group of volunteers and activists with a mutual interest in the protection and promotion of human rights, the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reform of the agencies of the United Nations to reflect the needs of the people rather than the states.

SHRG is based on the humanitarian principles of Sikh philosophy and its working membership as well as associate membership is available to anyone who prescribes to its principles and objectives as described in the Constitution.

SHRG was formally established in 1984 in response to the worsening human rights situation in North West India. The group has since increased its sphere of work to include minority rights, Transnationals, internal conflicts and sustainable developement as well as human rights cases from other regions. SHRG work takes the form of human rights activism, academic reports, organisation and participation in relevant conferences.

The group has focussed on working with inter-governmental agencies, particularly the United Nations and its specialist departments. SHRG also maintains regular contact with several governments, NGO's and international institutions.

The group has a number of field workers and lawyers who collate evidence of human rights abuses. SHRG relies on corroborated and affidavit evidence in its reports and analysis in order to avoid bias. This information is exchanged with the relevant agencies, governments, NGO's concerned individuals and interested parties for further action.

The Group also provides expert witness testimony in some cases of political asylum. The Sikh Human Rights Group holds no political position and assumes an impartial and independent approach in its work. The group is open to all who adhere to this approach. The group is funded by non-governmental sources and individuals.

Membership - SHRG has members from many communities. Its membership is not restricted to Sikhs at all. Some of the projects are led by Non-Sikhs.