Christian Solidarity International corroborates reports relayed by UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Religion or Belief about militias imposing sexual violence against Christian communities in so-called ‘peace deals.’
GENEVA — Christian Solidarity International has warned the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council that Fulani herding communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt are waging an “organized campaign” to drive out indigenous Christians.
“Christian Solidarity International wishes to underline the threat to religious freedom posed by mass violence directed against religious communities. Nowhere in the world today is this problem more urgent than in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria,” said Dr. Joel Veldkamp, Director for Public Advocacy.
“There, a network of militias drawn from Fulani herding communities are waging an organized campaign to drive out the indigenous Christian populations,” added Veldkamp.
The violence, which has killed “untold thousands” of Christians in recent years and displaced millions, is spurred on by prevailing impunity.
UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Religion or Belief Nazila Ghanea over the summer reported that rural Christian communities in Nigeria were being coerced into so-called “peace deals” whereby bandits were allowed to seize the proceeds of fields of their choice, and “[take] any woman that they want.”
Ghanea, who met with high-ranking officials, civil society groups, and survivors over a period of 11 days in June, highlighted the “little or no justice” communities experienced after enduring atrocities.
CSI on September 17 echoed the findings of the Special Rapporteur, based on the reporting of its staff and partners on the ground in the Middle Belt.
“Christian Solidarity International corroborates these horrific reports,” Veldkamp told the Human Rights Council, urging action.
“It is long past time for the Nigerian government, and the international human rights community to take decisive action to end the killings in the Middle Belt,” he said.
Christian Solidarity International has launched a campaign to raise financial and political support for Christians under siege in Nigeria. Supporters can take part at the campaign page.
Christian Solidarity International (CSI) is an interconfessional Christian human rights group, campaigning for religious liberty and human dignity, and assisting victims of religious persecution, victimized children, and victims of catastrophe.
CSI is an NGO with consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Christian Solidarity International was founded in Switzerland in 1977 by Rev. Hans Stückelberger and is active in more than 20 countries with public advocacy initiatives and humanitarian aid projects.
Contact: Patrick Degenhardt | [email protected]
Media contact: Dr. Joel Veldkamp | [email protected]
