Encompassing issues ranging from racism and xenophobia, to discrimination against the dastaar (Sikh turban) and kakaar (articles of faith), to basic human rights such as freedom of movement, the First Global Sikh Civil Rights Report is the first of its kind. Spanning 24 countries, the report highlights problems that the Sikh community faces across the globe. Referencing human and civil rights lawyers and Sikhs within a given country that have directly faced human or civil rights abuses or have advocated for the right of a fellow Sikh, the report expresses the fact that Sikhs around the world today are often subject to discrimination, and can face serious human and civil rights abuses.

The 2008 Global Sikh Civil Rights Report was compiled by volunteers including a team of lawyers, activists and writers who carefully chronicled the civil, political and economic issues faced by Sikhs worldwide. The 65-page report was then launched at the First Global Sikh Civil Rights Conference in December 2008.  In addition to voices of the Sikh leadership, the 2009 report invites voices from the Sikh community for an in-depth view of the current situation across the world. Portions of the Global Sikh Civil Rights Report have been submitted to UN Special Rapporteurs, members of various governments, and the report continues to inform both the government and Sikh organizations as to issues in the community.