US rapper Nicki Minaj on Tuesday visited the United Nations(UN) headquarters, saying Christians in Nigeria “are being targeted, drivenfrom their homes, and killed”. Minaj was invited by Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to theUN, “for an in-depth discussion about what our administration is doing toprotect Christians’ freedoms all over the world”. She thanked US President Donald Trump for “prioritising thisissue” and pushing for international action to “defend Christians in Nigeria,to combat extremism, and to bring a stop to violence against those who simplywant to exercise their natural right to freedom of religion or belief”. The artiste lamented that Christian communities in parts ofNigeria are being forced to flee their homes, adding that no one should everfeel unsafe because of their beliefs. Minaj said she understands through travelling how deeplyreligion shapes people and cultures around the world, noting that faith is now“under attack in way too many places” like Nigeria. “We don’t have to share the same beliefs in order for us torespect each other. That shouldn’t make one person feel less safe than anyonein any room,” she said. “In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven fromtheir homes, and killed. Churches have been burned, families have been tornapart, and entire communities live in fear constantly simply because of howthey pray. “Protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about taking sidesor dividing people. It is about uniting humanity.” Minaj said attacks on any place of worship, whether churchor mosque, should concern the entire world. “When one’s church, mosque, or place of worship isdestroyed, everyone’s heart should break just a little bit,” she said. She expressed hope that the discussion would inspire greaterglobal resolve. “I hope it will encourage deepened solidarity for us tourgently work together to ensure every person can enjoy the right to believe,to worship, and to live in peace,” she said.
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