Skip to content

Nigeria

(45th Session)

Download

This joint submission addresses the state of freedom of religion or belief and freedom of opinion and expression in Nigeria. In particular, it presents an overview of the country’s domestic legal framework and draws attention to specific concerns related to the criminalization of blasphemy. Additionally, the report examines the rise in acts of terrorism and mob violence against Christians and religious minorities, including Muslim minorities, and the related climate of impunity over the reporting period.

Should religious freedom be protected in times of crisis?

“I support freedom of religious belief as a basic human right that deserves the highest level of protection.

I stand up against worship bans which are illiberal and non-democratic. Blanket bans on public worship are incompatible with the international human right to the communal exercise of religious freedom. Fundamental freedoms apply to all, and they must be protected rather than weakened in times of crisis.”