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The Be Heard Project is a voice for the persecuted Church. Through law, public policy, and grassroots action, we amplify your voice to demand that world governments respect the most basic human rights and human dignity of persecuted believers. Join with us today and Be Heard.

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Confronting Religious Persecution at the IRF Summit

Feb. 10Stories That Demand Action:

Last week I spoke on a panel at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Washington, D.C.—a global gathering that brings together advocates, policymakers, and legal experts from around the world who are on the front lines of defending religious freedom. The Summit provides a rare forum to share firsthand experiences, expose ongoing...More

As Iran’s Christian Persecution Escalates, ACLJ Takes Urgent Action...

Feb. 04As Iran’s Christian Persecution...

Why Somalia Is One of the Most Dangerous Places for Christians

Feb. 02Marked for Death: Why Somalia Is...

The Fate of the Kurds Is Critical to Syria’s Future

Jan. 30The Fate of the Kurds Is Critical...

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Active Cases

Save Christians From Murder in Congo

Save Christians From Murder in...

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has once again become the site of unspeakable violence , with Christian communities being targeted by terrorists and militant forces. On February 15, over 70 Christians – primarily women, children, and the elderly – were added to the list of victims when they were abducted...More

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Save Christian Pastor Raymond Koh

Save Christian Pastor Raymond Koh

Free the Israeli Hostages from Hamas

Free the Israeli Hostages from...

Save Ahsan Masih

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Leah Sharibu

Defending Leah Sharibu and Christian Children in Nigeria at the U.N.

Paul Archuleta

March 25th, 2019

Previously, we told you that through our European affiliate, the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ), we filed a critical written submission before the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) regarding the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. In Nigeria, Christians face extreme persecution from Boko Haram. Boko Haram, a jihadist militant group, routinely attacks churches, destroys homes, and even kidnaps Christian school girls in order to marry them to Muslim men.

In our oral intervention before the HRC we brought to their attention the dangers that children, especially Christian children are faced with on a daily basis. We also told the story of Leah Sharibu, who was kidnapped from her boarding school by Boko Haram over a year ago, and still is held captive because she refuses to renounce her Christian faith.

You can read our oral intervention delivered in Geneva at the U.N. below (or watch above):

Children in Nigeria are facing a grave threat due to the atrocities being carried out by Boko Haram. With over 50,000 children orphaned by jihadist violence in Northern Nigeria, children are often preyed upon and weaponized as “suicide bombers.” The U.N. must act now to protect children in Nigeria.

Reports estimate that since 2013 Boko Haram has abducted approximately 1,000 children, killed over 2,000 teachers and destroyed more than 1,400 schools in northeast Nigeria. These attacks and kidnappings have been carried out when children are at school and should feel safe.

15-year-old Leah Sharibu continues to be a prisoner of Boko Haram. She was one of 110 girls kidnapped in February of 2018. Boko Haram killed five of the girls, and the remaining 104 were released. Only Leah remains as a prisoner because she refuses to bend to Boko Haram’s demand that she renounce her Christian faith and convert to Islam. This action cannot be tolerated.

As stated by the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, “Children have the right to education and protection, and the classroom must be a place where they are safe from harm.”

Now more than ever it is critical that the U.N. intervene to put a stop to these atrocities. The U.N. Charter calls for the removal of threats to peace, and the Genocide Convention calls upon the U.N. to prevent acts of genocide, not just respond to them. Action must be taken now to demand Leah’s immediate release and to protect Nigeria’s children.

We will continue to advocate on behalf of the imprisoned 15-year-old Leah Sharibu. It is critical that she be released immediately and safely returned to her home. We will also continue to fight on behalf of all Christians in Nigeria to ensure that they are freely able to practice their Christian faith without fear of violence.

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Christmas Day U.S. Strikes Mark a Turning Point in the Fight Against...

Jordan Sekulow  //

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On Christmas Day, President Trump ordered U.S. military strikes against the Islamic State-linked terrorist camps in northwest Nigeria, targeting extremists responsible for mass killings and terror attacks –

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Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo: The Man Facing Down Genocide in Nigeria

Keith Mauck  //

Dec 22, 2025

The video is stark – rows of dead bodies laid out on the ground; grief etched onto every mourner’s face. Then a pastor breaks the silence with words no minister should ever have to say : “I am tired of burying...

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New Congressional Resolution Condemning the Slaughter of Christians...

Jordan Sekulow  //

Nov 07, 2025

After years of sounding the alarm here at the ACLJ , there is real momentum in Washington, D.C., to stop the murder of Christians in Nigeria. Just days ago, President Donald Trump issued a powerful Truth...

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American Center for Law and Justice | Washington D.C. | Copyright © 2026, ACLJ | Privacy & Security Policy | Annual Report

Be Heard Project is a project of the American Center for Law and Justice. American Center for Law and Justice is a d/b/a for Christian Advocates Serving Evangelism, Inc., a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, religious corporation as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, specifically dedicated to the ideal that religious freedom and freedom of speech are inalienable, God-given rights. The Center's purpose is to engage legal, legislative and cultural issues by implementing an effective strategy of advocacy, education and litigation to ensure that those rights are protected under the law. The organization has participated in numerous cases before the Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeals, Federal District Courts, and various state courts regarding freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Your gift is very much appreciated and fully deductible as a charitable contribution. A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained by writing to us at P.O. Box 90555, Washington, DC 20090-0555.