Ocean County Leader

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) addressed the release of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) 2025 Annual Report, describing it as a crucial document that highlights global religious persecution.

“No report issued anywhere in the world beats USCIRF’s annual report for accuracy, documentation, and honesty,” Smith stated. He praised USCIRF as "the U.S. government’s most effective, unbiased, and respected voice for victims of religious persecution worldwide." Smith emphasized that the commission plays a vital role in recommending countries with severe violations of religious freedom to be designated as Countries of Particular Concern by the State Department.

Smith has been active in Congress advocating for international religious freedom. He authored significant legislation like the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016 and is currently pushing for re-authorization of USCIRF through H.R. 1744. He also calls on the State Department to recognize Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to its record on religious freedom violations (H.Res. 220).

He expressed gratitude to USCIRF for urging this designation for Nigeria, which he describes as "ground zero" for anti-Christian persecution globally.

“Nigeria is ground zero, the focal point of the most brutal and murderous anti-Christian persecution in the world today,” Smith said. He noted that over 90 percent of Christians killed globally are from Nigeria, with more than 4,000 deaths annually occurring with impunity or government complicity.

Smith referred to recent testimony from Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi Diocese during a hearing he chaired: “Militant Fulani herdsman are terrorists... they enjoy total impunity from elected officials.”

The full press release can be accessed at Rep. Chris Smith's official website.