Bill > SR76

This resolution urges the United States Secretary of State to designate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC), a formal designation under the International Religious Freedom Act indicating systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. The resolution highlights widespread religious violence in Nigeria over the past decade, including mass murders, rapes, and kidnappings by terrorist organizations affecting Nigerians of various religious backgrounds. Specific evidence cited includes over 3 million internally displaced persons, 343,000 registered refugees, the destruction of over 17,000 churches since 2009, and reports that 5,014 Christians were killed in Nigeria in 2022, which represented nearly 90 percent of Christians killed worldwide that year. The resolution also notes attacks on religious leaders, including the murder of a Christian student, kidnappings of Catholic priests, and abductions of imams, demonstrating violence against multiple religious groups. By calling for Nigeria's designation as a CPC and the appointment of a Special Envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad region, the resolution seeks to draw international attention to these religious freedom violations and promote liberty, justice, and equality for all religious groups in Nigeria.

Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/SR76