Ukrainian authorities discussed with PACE the law on banning the UOC and mobilization of clergy

Representatives of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) have held a meeting with a delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to discuss pressing issues of religious rights in the country. The key topics included a law that could restrict the activity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, as well as a system of clergy reservation from mobilization.

The meeting, which took place on October 9, 2025, was devoted to the analysis of the draft law «On Protection of the Constitutional Order in the Sphere of Activities of Religious Organizations.» According to the information provided by the DESS, the first deputy chairman of the department, Viktor Voynalovich, assured the European partners that the document is «a response to the demands of society to sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church». At the same time, as noted by human rights activists and representatives of religious circles, this law raises serious concerns because of the potential risks of discrimination and infringement of the rights of millions of believers.

Another important topic for discussion was the mobilization of clergy. Representatives of the DESS reported that work is currently underway to «improve mechanisms» for the registration and reservation of clergy, as well as to update the legislation on alternative (non-military) service. In addition, the issues of observance of the rights of national minorities and indigenous peoples were touched upon at the meeting.

The PACE delegation, in turn, emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s compliance with its international obligations. European observers emphasized the need to ensure freedom of religion and protection of all religious communities from political interference.

We shall remind you that earlier we reported that the United Nations experts recognized the response of the Ukrainian authorities to official reports about violations of the rights of believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) as unsatisfactory. Against the background of growing criticism of the persecution of the UOC, human rights activists report that the facts of violations have been recognized at the international level.