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Representative Chris Smith / United States Congress (Left), Jusdevoyage / Unsplash (Right)
Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., introduced new legislation detailing how the U.S. should respond to the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria, following President Donald Trump’s decision to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
In a Nov. 5 press release, Smith, a Catholic, said that Christians in Nigeria live “under the constant threat of murder, kidnapping, rape, and torture by radical Islamists, such as Boko Haram and Fulani terrorists.”
The resolution, H. Res. 860, commends Trump’s actions and directs the U.S. State Department to adopt a series of measures — including sanctions and new conditions on foreign aid — to pressure Nigeria’s government to protect Christians.
It calls for immediate humanitarian aid to faith-based groups in Nigeria, coordination with the Treasury Department to impose sanctions and visa bans on perpetrators, and conditions on U.S. assistance tied to religious freedom protections. The resolution also reaffirms America’s commitment to defending human rights worldwide.
“It is well past time that the United States holds the Nigerian government responsible for its inability — or unwillingness — to fully confront and combat the unchecked, widespread religious persecution occurring within its borders,” Smith said.
The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., and Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla.
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