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The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT Global), Nigeria Chapter, has raised concerns over the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 currently before the United States Congress.
In a statement on Wednesday, and signed by its Country Director, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the organisation stressed that while protecting religious freedom is important, actions taken must be fair and based on credible evidence.
“Accountability must target proven individuals, not entire communities or organizations without distinction,” the group stated.
“While we recognize the global significance of safeguarding religious freedom and holding perpetrators of violence against civilians accountable, we are concerned that certain parts of the motion could unintentionally cause division, stigmatization, and instability in Nigeria if they are not managed with fairness and proper due process.
The organisation noted that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and rooted in socio-economic, political, and environmental factors.
He added that solutions must be balanced, evidence-based, and non-discriminatory.
Citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the group emphasized the principles of non-discrimination, equality before the law, and the right to fair hearing.
“No individual or group should face discrimination based on identity, ethnicity, religion, or association,” the statement read.
It further warned that selective targeting of specific individuals without transparent and comprehensive investigation risks creating perceptions of bias and political selectivity.
IHRC-RFT also cautioned against the broad labeling of entire organisations, noting that such actions could “deepen mistrust, fuel radicalization, and widen existing social divides.”
The organisation maintained that sustainable peace cannot be achieved only through external sanctions.
Instead, it called for strengthening domestic justice systems, addressing the root causes of conflict, ensuring impartial investigations, and promoting inclusive national dialogue.
“Our position remains clear: If credible evidence establishes individual criminal responsibility, such individuals should be held accountable under the rule of law. However, collective stigmatization without due process undermines justice and long-term stability,” the statement added.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, accountability, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians without prejudice.
