Protection for Christians in Africa

AI summary

Petitioners ask Canada to condemn persecution of Christians in Nigeria, DRC and Mozambique; urge governments to protect communities, prosecute perpetrators, provide aid and defend religious freedom. The government responds it condemns abuses and provides aid.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the Government of Canada Concerning the Persecution of Christians in Africa We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the Government of Canada to the following: Whereas, 1. Thousands of Christians in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and other parts of Africa have been and continue to be murdered or displaced by attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram, Fulani Ethnic Militia, Islamic State West Africa Province, and other terrorist organizations, for the simple reason that they are Christian; 2. According to reports by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, Open Doors, Genocide Watch, Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, among other organizations, entire Christian communities have been destroyed, millions have been forced to flee their homes, churches are being destroyed regularly, and tens of thousands of Christians have been murdered; 3. In Nigeria alone, an estimated 30 Christians are murdered each day, while those that survive are without adequate protection and face ongoing threats of violence and trauma. Therefore, we, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 4. Condemn publicly and unequivocally the ongoing persecution and mass violence against Christians in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and across Africa; 5. Engage diplomatically with the governments of those countries to urge immediate and effective protection for Christians and to hold perpetrators of violence accountable; 6. Work with international partners, to protect Christians and hold perpetrators of violence accountable; 7. Provide humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to affected communities, including through Canadian and international organizations operating on the ground; and 8. Ensure that Canada's foreign policy continues to defend and promote freedom of conscience and religion globally.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by Parliamentary Secretary Rob Oliphant The Government of Canada recognizes that insecurity and violence, whether stemming from terrorist or criminal acts, remain significant challenges in Africa and impact all segments of its population, including Christians. Africa’s security landscape is complex, shaped by overlapping threats, notably extremist violence, organized crime networks, information manipulation and digital threats, authoritarian drift and democratic backsliding, climate security and biosecurity risks. Within this intricate security context, violence is rooted in a range of factors, including religious and ethnic tensions, resource competition, socio-economic factors, including pockets of extreme poverty, and governance issues. Canada champions inclusive and accountable governance, pluralism and respect for diversity in all spheres of society, domestically and internationally. The Government of Canada unequivocally condemns all human rights violations and opposes all religious hatred, discrimination and xenophobia wherever it occurs. The Government remains firmly committed to promoting and protecting human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. During the Universal Periodic Reviews before the United Nations Human Rights Council, Canada continues to call on states such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique to bring those responsible for human rights violations to justice and ensure accountability. In Nigeria’s 2024 Universal Periodic Review, Canada recommended that Nigeria investigate allegations of war crimes and possible crimes against humanity committed by the Nigerian military, Boko Haram and other armed groups, and bring the perpetrators to justice. Canada also recommended that Nigeria assign human and financial resources to the institutions responsible for implementing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act of 2015 and take steps to ensure the operational and financial independence of the National Human Rights Commission. In the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 2019 Universal Periodic Review, Canada recommended that the Democratic Republic of Congo implement the necessary measures to improve respect for human rights by investigating allegations of human rights violations by security forces and ensuring protection of civilians in conflict-torn areas. In Mozambique’s 2021 Universal Periodic Review, Canada recommended that Mozambique adopt measures to end human rights abuses and violations in Cabo Delgado related to the insurgency and hold accountable those responsible, noting that human rights violations have been perpetrated on both the side of the insurgents and that of state security forces. Canada maintains a permanent observer mission to the African Union, which regularly engages the continental organization’s leadership on peace operations, conflict prevention and counterterrorism. In April 2024, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs and Security, was invited to visit Ottawa to discuss peace enforcement, partnerships on conflict prevention, mediation, preventive diplomacy, election observation and inclusive participation of youth and women. He was also invited as a witness to the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. In May 2024, the Minister of International Development announced $20 million (2024-2029) in funding to the African Union Commission, of which $7.5 million is to support Agenda 2063, $2.5 million to support peace and security issues, and $10 million for education as well as technical and vocational education and training. The Government of Canada regularly conducts human rights advocacy through private, public and multilateral channels. In Nigeria, Canada’s advocacy includes policy dialogue with the Nigerian government, engagement with partners, experts and United Nations officials, support to civil society, efforts to strengthen international norms and issuing public statements. Canada also discusses human rights issues with Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission and supports its advocacy efforts. Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and senior officials have discussed addressing urgent security issues with their Nigerian counterparts. The Embassy of Canada in the Democratic Republic of Congo engages regularly with multilateral partners and civil society organizations to advance human rights. Human rights concerns are also raised through diplomatic channels as part of Canada’s approach to supporting inclusive governance, democratic values and respect for human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Canada’s High Commission in Mozambique engages regularly with the country’s human rights commission, including through parliamentarians—for example, during the visit of Canada’s Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in March 2025, which enables frank discussions on human rights challenges and opportunities for collaboration. The High Commission also funds local non-governmental organizations working on governance and human rights projects and interacts with partners, for example, by supporting a conference on access of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and Intersex Plus community to the labour market and collaborating with the Christian Council of Mozambique on inter-religious tolerance. Canada’s foreign policy promotes freedom of religion or belief internationally and addresses the underlying factors of violence. Through Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, the Government of Canada takes concrete measures to counter all forms of hate, including on the basis of religion or belief. Canada’s Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security also identifies collaboration on peace, security and human rights, as well as continued partnership on sustainable development, as two of the five strategic areas for engagement with African partners. The peace, security and human rights dimension includes supporting African-led peace operations and conflict prevention initiatives; promoting the role of women and youth in peace and security; strengthening democracy and human rights; adopting a revised Canadian approach to the Sahel; and providing technical assistance and support against numerous threats. The sustainable development dimension focuses on reducing poverty, supporting economic development, empowering youth and climate adaptation. As such, the Government’s efforts in Africa are informed by the understanding that peace, security, development and human rights are intertwined. Through its peace and security, development and humanitarian programs in Africa, the Government is working to address the root causes and impacts of violence as well as to mitigate its broader consequences on the civilian population. In 2024-2025, Canada’s international assistance to Africa through all channels totaled $3 billion, including $127.1 million to Nigeria, $157.4 million to Democratic Republic of Congo and $134 million to Mozambique. Through its Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program, Canada is currently providing $44.3 million in support of 21 projects in Africa which are being implemented by multilateral partners and civil society organizations. These initiatives aim to enhance border security and airport security; support community and civilian-led efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism; strengthen law enforcement and military capacity to address terrorist and criminal threats; and improve criminal justice and legislative assistance through the delivery of training, equipment and advisory services. Since 2016, the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program has supported 124 projects across 29 African countries, with a total value of $183.7 million. In Nigeria, this program is currently funding initiatives implemented through international, multilateral and local partners (approximately $2 million over two years). These efforts aim to reduce the flow of small arms and light weapons in the northwest region, support research on the reintegration of individuals formerly associated with armed groups and advance the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the country. Since 2014, Canada has allocated $130 million across Africa under its Weapons Threat Reduction Program through multilateral organisations, international non-governmental organizations and local implementing partners. This programming enhances capacity to prevent, detect and respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, as well as supporting the universalization and implementation of conventional arms control treaties. This includes programming in Nigeria ($9.5 million), the Democratic Republic of Congo ($2 million) and Mozambique ($1.1 million) through bilateral and multi-country projects, including recent support of $2 million to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to respond to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (and Uganda) by accelerating surveillance and supporting biosecurity measures. The Government of Canada recognizes that certain conditions negatively exacerbate the security context in Africa. Canada’s bilateral development programming addresses some of the root causes of insecurity and alleviates poverty through partnerships with Canadian, local and multilateral partners. In Nigeria, Canada’s bilateral development programming is creating employment opportunities for youth and women, strengthening the health systems, building governance capacity and supporting community resilience, while addressing urgent needs related to climate adaptation and livelihoods through strengthened sustainable food systems and training in shock-responsive agriculture. In 2024-2025, Canada invested $22.1 million in bilateral development programming to reduce extreme poverty, build community resilience and create employment opportunities. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Canada’s bilateral development program is focused on gender equality and the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, health, inclusive governance and child protection. In 2025-2026, Canada invested $18.4 million in bilateral development programming. In Mozambique, Canada’s bilateral development program is focused on health and education, gender equality and supporting the foundations for more inclusive, conflict-sensitive democratic processes and public services. In 2024-2025, Canada provided approximately $67 million in bilateral development programming. In Cabo Delgado, Canada supports the United Nations Children's Fund to protect children from recruitment by Islamic-State-Mozambique and ensure safe release and reintegration of children associated with armed forces and armed groups. Canada also supports the Dallaire Institute to train the Mozambican Defence Armed Forces on the Vancouver Principles, child protection and preventing grave violations against children in conflict. In 2025-2026, Canada invested $13.8 million through its Regional Development Program for the Sahel to reduce the triggers of tension through projects targeting community resilience and prevent the escalation of tensions and radicalization through initiatives addressing social cohesion and regional stabilization. Canada’s humanitarian assistance is delivered through experienced humanitarian partners such as the United Nations, the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement and non-governmental organizations. This support includes the provision of emergency food and nutrition assistance, essential health and protection services, emergency shelter, and water, sanitation and hygiene services. In 2024-2025, Canada provided over $300 million in humanitarian assistance to provide urgent life-saving assistance to crisis-affected populations in Sub-Saharan Africa.