EP adopts resolutions on persecution of Christians in Nigeria and Pakistan
The European Parliament has condemned the persecution of Christians in Nigeria's Plateau State and in Pakistan, calling on both governments to strengthen protections for religious minorities.
On July 9, 2026, the European Parliament adopted two resolutions condemning the killings, kidnappings, forced conversions to Islam, and forced marriages targeting Christians in Nigeria and Pakistan, Tribune Chrétienne reports.
The first resolution followed the massacre of Christians in the village of Kwall in Nigeria's Plateau State. Dozens of people were killed in the attack, many others were injured, and homes and property were destroyed. The resolution was adopted by 510 votes in favor, with one vote against and 86 abstentions.
The European Parliament called on the Nigerian authorities to conduct an independent investigation, bring those responsible to justice, strengthen protection for civilians, and intensify efforts against terrorist groups, including Boko Haram. The resolution notes that the violence in central Nigeria is driven by Islamist terrorism, ethnic and religious tensions, land disputes, and organized crime.
The second resolution focuses on the case of 13-year-old Pakistani Christian Maria Shahbaz, who was reportedly abducted, forcibly converted to Islam, and compelled to marry her kidnapper. Members of the European Parliament called for her to receive legal and psychological support and to be safely reunited with her family.
The Parliament also urged the Pakistani authorities to intensify efforts to combat child marriage and review the country's blasphemy laws. The resolution stresses that such legislation is frequently used to persecute members of religious minorities, including Christians.
As the UOJ previously reported, Islamists in Nigeria killed five kidnapped Catholics.
