Protect India's youth by defending human rights and democracy
The Issue
We, the undersigned residents of Canada
We are writing with deep concern about the deteriorating situation for students, youth and peaceful citizens in India who are fighting for basic rights.
Like many families here, we came to Canada seeking safety, dignity, a government that listens and values life. It is heartbreaking to see young people in India being denied their democratic rights.
What we are witnessing:
1. Violations of the Right to Peaceful Protest
Students and youth began protesting after massive national exam paper leaks and after being called "cockroaches" on social media by the Chief Justice of India. Instead of answers, these peaceful protestors were met with force. Protesters have been brutally beaten by police with wooden batons, some reportedly fitted with nails. Many were detained without due process.
2. Targeting of Peaceful Voices
Even respected civil society leaders have not been spared. Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known education reformer and climate activist, was forcefully taken to hospital while on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi in support of youth. His family struggled to get information or access his medical reports.
3. Impact Beyond Borders
When democratic institutions in the world’s largest democracy are undermined, it impacts human rights globally. Canada has deep ties with India through trade, students, and families. If peaceful protest, free media, and judicial independence are eroded in India, it sets a dangerous precedent for democracies everywhere and directly affects the safety of Canadians with family in India.
4. Failure of Institutions to Provide Relief
Perhaps most concerning is that even the highest institutions appear closed. There are reports that the Delhi High Court Judge has discouraged to hear petitions from these students whose human rights have been violated. When the courts and the government do not listen, citizens are left with nowhere to turn. Peaceful gatherings and calls for dialogue have been ignored, but fortunately documented by citizens on the ground, countering the government-aligned narrative.
The Human Cost
What started as a demand for accountability and fair national exams has grown into a wider movement. More than 20 students have died by suicide following the recent paper leaks.
Our Request
We are not affiliated with any political party. We simply believe in human rights and democracy — values we came to Canada for and that Canada stands for.
We respectfully request that the Government of Canada and respective organisations guarding human rights:
1. Raise these concerns with the Government of India through diplomatic channels
2. Publicly reaffirm Canada’s commitment to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and judicial independence
3. Recognize that the erosion of democracy in India impacts human rights globally, and offer support to civil society seeking peaceful dialogue and accountability.
Victory
The Issue
We, the undersigned residents of Canada
We are writing with deep concern about the deteriorating situation for students, youth and peaceful citizens in India who are fighting for basic rights.
Like many families here, we came to Canada seeking safety, dignity, a government that listens and values life. It is heartbreaking to see young people in India being denied their democratic rights.
What we are witnessing:
1. Violations of the Right to Peaceful Protest
Students and youth began protesting after massive national exam paper leaks and after being called "cockroaches" on social media by the Chief Justice of India. Instead of answers, these peaceful protestors were met with force. Protesters have been brutally beaten by police with wooden batons, some reportedly fitted with nails. Many were detained without due process.
2. Targeting of Peaceful Voices
Even respected civil society leaders have not been spared. Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known education reformer and climate activist, was forcefully taken to hospital while on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi in support of youth. His family struggled to get information or access his medical reports.
3. Impact Beyond Borders
When democratic institutions in the world’s largest democracy are undermined, it impacts human rights globally. Canada has deep ties with India through trade, students, and families. If peaceful protest, free media, and judicial independence are eroded in India, it sets a dangerous precedent for democracies everywhere and directly affects the safety of Canadians with family in India.
4. Failure of Institutions to Provide Relief
Perhaps most concerning is that even the highest institutions appear closed. There are reports that the Delhi High Court Judge has discouraged to hear petitions from these students whose human rights have been violated. When the courts and the government do not listen, citizens are left with nowhere to turn. Peaceful gatherings and calls for dialogue have been ignored, but fortunately documented by citizens on the ground, countering the government-aligned narrative.
The Human Cost
What started as a demand for accountability and fair national exams has grown into a wider movement. More than 20 students have died by suicide following the recent paper leaks.
Our Request
We are not affiliated with any political party. We simply believe in human rights and democracy — values we came to Canada for and that Canada stands for.
We respectfully request that the Government of Canada and respective organisations guarding human rights:
1. Raise these concerns with the Government of India through diplomatic channels
2. Publicly reaffirm Canada’s commitment to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and judicial independence
3. Recognize that the erosion of democracy in India impacts human rights globally, and offer support to civil society seeking peaceful dialogue and accountability.
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Petition created on July 22, 2026