UN condemns bill to ban UOC, warns against religious freedom violations

The United Nations (UN) has expressed serious concern over Ukrainian legislation that could lead to the banning of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). In its report on human rights, the UN stressed that historical or canonical ties with a foreign religious center cannot in themselves serve as grounds for persecuting or banning a religious organization, calling for the observance of the principles of individualization and proportionality.

According to the Telegram channel Strana.ua, the UN report clearly states that measures affecting freedom of religion should be strictly individualized, evidence-based and in line with the principle of proportionality. Otherwise, such actions may lead to a violation of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion guaranteed by international law.

The document also records that searches, investigative actions and interrogations of religious institutions continue in Ukraine. Local authorities have in a number of cases restricted or terminated the activities of religious communities, including by refusing to extend lease agreements for religious buildings. These actions create a risk of collective responsibility when restrictions are applied not on the basis of individual behavior but to the religious group as a whole.

The UN emphasizes that any state interference with freedom of thought, conscience and religion must be necessary and proportionate to the legitimate aim pursued. The application of criminal, administrative and other restrictive measures against representatives of religious organizations, referring to national security considerations, without proper individualization, threatens fundamental freedoms and can be considered a violation of international law.

We shall remind you that earlier we reported that the consideration of the case on the liquidation of the Kiev Metropolitanate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) was postponed indefinitely. The reason for this decision was the absence of necessary case materials in the court of first instance.