Bill

HRES 220

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for engaging in and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Don Bacon and 20 co-sponsors

HRES 220 urges the U.S. to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for severe religious freedom violations, promoting accountability and diplomatic action.

Submitted in House

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HRES 220

Summary of HRES 220: Designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern

Bill Number: HRES 220
Title: Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for engaging in and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, and for other purposes.
Status: Submitted in House
Introduced: March 11, 2025
Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HRES 220 aims to express the House of Representatives' position on the urgent need for the United States to designate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. This designation is intended for countries that are involved in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom. The resolution highlights the ongoing religious persecution in Nigeria and calls for specific actions to address these violations.

Key Provisions

The resolution outlines several critical actions and recommendations:

Designation as CPC: The Secretary of State is urged to officially designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to its systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom.
Government Accountability: The Nigerian government is called upon to take immediate and effective measures to:
- Prevent religious persecution.
- Prosecute individuals responsible for violence against religious groups.
- Address the needs of millions of internally displaced persons.
- Uphold constitutional protections for religious freedom.
Increased Diplomatic Engagement: The U.S. State Department is encouraged to enhance diplomatic efforts with Nigerian officials to:
- Address ongoing violations of religious freedom.
- Develop long-term strategies for peace and stability in the region.
Targeted Sanctions: The resolution advocates for the imposition of targeted sanctions and other measures against individuals and entities in Nigeria that are responsible for severe violations of religious freedom.
Commitment to Human Rights: It reaffirms the United States' commitment to promoting religious freedom and human rights as fundamental principles of its foreign policy.

Impact and Affected Parties

The resolution primarily affects:

Nigerian Citizens: Particularly those belonging to religious minorities who face persecution and violence.
U.S. Foreign Policy: The resolution could influence U.S. diplomatic relations and aid strategies concerning Nigeria.
International Community: It may prompt other nations to take similar stances on Nigeria's human rights record.

Legislative Actions

March 11, 2025: The bill was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and submitted in the House.

Conclusion

HRES 220 seeks to address significant concerns regarding religious freedom in Nigeria by calling for its designation as a Country of Particular Concern. The resolution emphasizes the need for immediate action from both the Nigerian government and the U.S. government to protect religious freedoms and promote human rights.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.