The Human Rights Committee of the United Nations has advised France to re-examine the rule forbidding wearing of conspicuous religious symbols, including the Sikh turban, in schools, in the light of guarantees given by the state to allow citizens freedom of conscience and religion.
The committee has made the observations after the submission of a report by minority issues experts, including Gay McDougall and special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief Asma Jehangir.
Dr Manjit Singh Randhawa, president, Sikh Nation Organisation, had petitioned to the UN against the ban on wearing of turban by Sikh children in government schools in France.
As per the UN documents, available on official website of the United Nations: www.un.org, McDougall, in her report submitted to the committee and UN General Assembly, has reported: “Serious discrimination is being experienced by members of the minority communities in France”. It has also noted “serious discrimination is being experienced by visible minorities of immigrant heritage, many of whom are French citizens.”
- By Jangveer Singh
