We Cannot Ignore Nigeria's Human Rights Abuses

Late last year, Nigeria became the first secular democracy ever to be designated a "country of particular concern" by the U.S. State Department. And, unfortunately, the designation appears to have become even more fitting with each passing month. The State Department releases an annual list of the countries around the world it deems to be the worst violators of religious freedom. In accordance with the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act, the government officially designates "Countries of Particular Concern" (CPCs). The government's CPC review process is taking place right now, even though the list of designated countries is not officially released until December of each year.