Human rights activists warned the UN of systematic pressure on the Estonian Orthodox Church

The international non-governmental organization Justice for All International has sent an official appeal to the UN Human Rights Council, stating that the Estonian legislative and executive authorities continue to repress the Estonian Orthodox Church (EOC). According to the OrthoChristian portal, the human rights activists warned of the risk of the forced dissolution of the church and the removal of its leadership under the pretext of ensuring national security.

The warning was submitted as part of the UN Universal Periodic Review process, which is scheduled to take place in Estonia in May 2026. The report emphasizes that amendments to the Churches and Parishes Act adopted in 2025 effectively prohibit the maintenance of «spiritual ties» with foreign religious structures that Estonian authorities consider a threat. The legislation also allows for the revocation of registration of religious communities without legal proceedings and the removal of clergy based on non-transparent criteria.

The piece focuses on the 2026 annual report of the Estonian Security Police Department, in which the EOC was included in the section on threats to the constitutional order. In response, the Estonian Orthodox Church issued an official statement, calling such characterizations an attempt to influence public opinion. The church representatives noted that the controversial legislative amendments have not yet been signed by the president and are currently under review by the Supreme Court for constitutionality.

In its address, the EOC categorically denied the allegations that its activities are coordinated by the structures of the Moscow Patriarchate, emphasizing its full administrative and pastoral independence. The church also recalled its position on the conflict in Ukraine, noting that it has repeatedly condemned military actions and called for peace. Representatives of the EOC expressed their readiness for an open and constructive dialog with the state authorities to resolve the current situation.

We shall remind you that earlier we reported that in its annual report the Estonian Intelligence Agency called the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church a «threat to national security».