The USCIRF has called for the Trump administration to appoint a Special Envoy for Nigeria to address rampant religious freedom violations. The report urges designating Nigeria and several other countries as CPCs, highlights shortcomings in government responses to religious violence, and raises concerns over blasphemy laws and attacks on religious communities.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged the Trump administration to appoint a Special Envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin to effectively address ongoing violations of religious freedom in the region. In its recent annual report, USCIRF emphasizes the need to enhance U.S. diplomatic involvement to mitigate the risks tied to religious persecution and atrocity in Nigeria.
In addition to Nigeria, the USCIRF has recommended that the State Department designate Nigeria alongside other nations such as Afghanistan, India, and Vietnam as Countries of Particular Concern (CPCs) due to the severe violations of religious freedoms observed. The report also proposes redesignating 12 additional countries, including Burma, China, and Iran, as CPCs.
USCIRF has also called for maintaining Algeria and Azerbaijan on the Special Watch List (SWL) while adding countries like Iraq and Syria. Furthermore, Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) should be redesignated as Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs) along with others, including al-Shabaab and the Houthis.
The report highlights the enforcement of blasphemy laws by the Nigerian government which impose penalties for perceived insults against religions. Various state governments have intensified these laws, leading to imprisonment of individuals such as Mubarak Bala and Yahaya Sharif–Aminu. It noted that these legal actions disproportionately affect individuals from minority faiths and subject them to severe punishment.
In addressing the broader context of religious freedom in Nigeria, the report observes that authorities have failed to respond effectively to violent actions perpetrated by nonstate actors. Groups claiming religious justification for their violence, like Boko Haram and various bandit factions, continue to attack religious communities, particularly targeting Christians.
Specific incidents illustrate the ongoing threat to religious communities; in early 2024, insurgents killed 14 individuals, including a pastor. Additionally, attacks by ISWAP and kidnapping incidents of children reflect alarming trends, further complicating the religious landscape in Nigeria.
The report critiques the Nigerian government’s response to such violence, suggesting that security forces remain inadequate and tend to respond slowly, which leads to further suffering among targeted minority communities. Estimates indicate that around 30,000 Fulani bandits currently operate, significantly impacting food production and targeting predominantly Christian populations.
The USCIRF report illuminates the dire situation regarding religious freedom in Nigeria, recommending urgent measures including the appointment of a Special Envoy and the designation of CPCs. It underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to combat the violence perpetrated by militant groups and to protect vulnerable religious communities. Furthermore, the enforcement of blasphemy laws poses significant threats to individuals based on their beliefs. Overall, the situation demands immediate attention and sustained diplomatic action to alleviate the ongoing crises.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
