Human Rights Watch warns of restrictions for UOC believers in Ukraine

The international human rights organization Human Rights Watch has expressed serious concern over the potential restriction of the rights of believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) to access places of worship in Ukraine. The warning is contained in the organization’s report on the human rights situation in Ukraine for 2025, which notes the possible consequences of the application of new anti-church legislation.

According to Human Rights Watch, the report, published in the section on the rule of law, emphasizes that the Ukrainian authorities may significantly restrict the rights of UOC believers. This includes an outright ban or restriction of access to churches and other places of worship, which, according to human rights activists, affects the fundamental rights to freedom of religion.

The document notes that in August this year, the State Service of Ukraine on Ethno-politics and Freedom of Conscience applied the 2024 law on religious organizations. According to this law, the UOC was recognized as a structure affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, the activity of which is prohibited in the country. As a consequence, the State Service filed a lawsuit with the court to liquidate the Kyiv Metropolitan Church of the UOC.

According to Human Rights Watch, such actions may have serious consequences for the entire religious community. In particular, we are talking about the possible restriction of the Church’s property rights, as well as blocking the access of clergy and laity to temples and other religious buildings. “This could lead to restrictions on property rights and access to places of worship of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church”, – said in the report of Human Rights Watch.

Recall, the United Nations (UN) expressed serious concern about the Ukrainian legislation, which could lead to the ban of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). In its human rights report, 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.