Bill > HRes220

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the urgent need to address religious persecution in Nigeria. The resolution highlights the systematic, ongoing violations of religious freedom, particularly targeting Christian communities and moderate Muslims by extremist groups like Fulani Ethnic Militants and ISIS-linked organizations. It notes that over 18,000 churches have been destroyed since 2009, and approximately 3.5 to 5 million people have been internally displaced due to religiously motivated violence. The resolution calls on the Secretary of State to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a legal classification for nations that engage in or tolerate severe religious freedom violations. It urges the Nigerian government to prevent religious persecution, prosecute violent perpetrators, and care for displaced persons. The resolution also recommends increased U.S. diplomatic engagement, potential targeted sanctions against those responsible for religious freedom violations, and emphasizes the United States' commitment to promoting religious freedom and human rights as fundamental foreign policy principles. This comes in the context of significant U.S. financial assistance to Nigeria, totaling over $3.53 billion in non-military aid and $83.5 million in military assistance since 2020.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/220/all-info