UN writes to Nigerian government over ‘deeply troubling’ violence against Christian women and girls

Praise God that the Nigerian government has been contacted by the United Nations over the awful violence facing Christian women and girls in the country. Please pray that the letter will have impact.

In a very welcome development, UN experts have written to the Nigerian government raising serious concerns over the ‘deeply troubling’ violence against Christian women and girls in the country, including abductions, forced marriages and killings. 

Disproportionately targeted 

Whilst the text of the letter will be made public after 60 days – during which time the Nigerian government can reply – the accompanying press statement says, “We are particularly alarmed at the very specific and heightened risks of discrimination, violence and exploitation that Christian women and girls are exposed to, as we continue to document grave cases of sexual violence, abductions, acts tantamount to enforced disappearances, forced conversion and child marriage amongst them. 

“These crimes took place within a broader pattern of violence and persecution disproportionately affecting Christian communities in some northern states, including killings, attacks on churches and villages, mass displacement, mob violence linked to accusations of blasphemy, and severe insecurity affecting women and children in internally displaced persons camps.” 

It concludes, “Victims and survivors must not be left without protection, justice, reparations, including rehabilitation and meaningful support.” 

The full press release, together with the names and offices of the different Special Rapporteurs who signed it, can be viewed here.  

• Meet Rifkatu, one of the many women whose experiences are reflected in the letter to the UN  

Arise Africa aims 

“I am pleased that the UN experts are convinced of the urgent need for the Nigerian government to address violations against Christian women and girls,” says Anna Hill, Open Doors International’s (ODI) UN Advocacy Officer. 

“Their calls for protection, justice and reparations echo the aims of our Arise Africa campaign, which raises issues faced by Christians not just in Nigeria but across sub-Saharan Africa.  

“I thank the experts for this important communication and am hopeful that the Nigerian government will respond with meaningful commitments that tackle impunity, protect Christians from further attacks and restore communities where violence has taken place.” 

Have you signed the petition?  

The letter reiterates the crucial role advocacy has in helping address the grave injustices facing millions of our sisters and brothers in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa. It’s why the Arise Africa petition carries such monumental potential, raising a noise that cannot be ignored by those in power who have position and influence to make a real difference. 

If you’ve yet to already, please add your voice to the petition, and please share with your family, friends and church. The aim is to reach one million signatures before it’s handed in to the UN, African Union, EU and local governments towards the end of the year. With your help, we can make it. Thank you!