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U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) released a statement after the U.S. Department of State neglected to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). CPC designations apply to countries engaged in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom and trigger sanctions on the designated countries, as authorized by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.  

• “For the second year in a row, the Biden Administration has failed the Christian community in Nigeria. 

• “It was a severe misjudgment to have removed Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern to begin with. For the Biden Administration to double down on this decision, despite Nigeria being one of the deadliest countries on earth for Christians, defies common sense. 

• “As a beacon for freedom and human rights, the United States should be the first to hold accountable those responsible for the horrific religious freedom violations occurring in Nigeria. Instead, this administration has chosen to stay silent as Nigerian priests, nuns, and lay people are subject to kidnapping and murder by armed groups.

• “We continue to unite in prayer for our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria and once again call on the Biden Administration to rightfully designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.” 

 
Want more information? Rubio and Hawley demanded answers after the Biden Administration initially removed Nigeria from its list of CPCs last year and have continued to push for its redesignation ever since.