Auckland, February 18, 2025 – A group of Sikh activists in New Zealand has formally requested the removal of the Indian national flag from schools, citing concerns over alleged human rights violations by the Indian government. The request, led by activist Ravinder Singh, was addressed to Hon. Erica Stanford, New Zealand’s Minister of Education.

In an email to the Minister, Singh highlighted reports from international human rights organizations detailing abuses such as extrajudicial killings, religious persecution, and suppression of dissent. The activists also pointed to allegations of India’s involvement in transnational repression, including targeted actions against Sikh activists in Western countries.

The Ministry of Education has since responded to the request. In an official reply from the General Manager of Network and Regulatory at Te Pae Aronui, the Ministry acknowledged the activists' concerns but stated that decisions regarding school displays, including flags, are made by individual school boards.

"Schools in New Zealand are self-governing through their boards, and each board is responsible for making decisions about the curriculum and school environment," the response stated. It advised that concerns about a specific school’s display of the Indian flag should first be raised with the school’s principal and board. If unresolved, the matter could be escalated to the Office of the Ombudsman.

While only a few schools in New Zealand display the Indian flag, activists argue that its presence is still concerning given the human rights allegations against the Indian government. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to fostering safe and inclusive learning environments but did not indicate any plans to issue directives regarding the removal of India's flag from schools.

In response, Sikh activists have intensified their efforts, encouraging parents to write to their children's school boards to formally request the removal of the Indian flag on human rights grounds. They argue that allowing the flag to be displayed contradicts New Zealand’s commitment to human rights and democracy.

The activists continue to push for broader government intervention, asserting that their concerns align with New Zealand’s values of justice and equality.