Report: UN documents a surge in violence and hate speech against UOC

The seizure of St. Michael's Church of the UOC in Boyarka. Photo: a screenshot of spzh.news

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern over the surge in violence and hate speech against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This was stated in a report by the organization's press service.

It noted that the Ukrainian authorities have failed to effectively counter the violence against the UOC, and, on the contrary, Ukrainian government officials openly incited violence against representatives and supporters of the Church.

"Government officials, bloggers, and opinion leaders have used discriminatory and inciting rhetoric and openly called for violence against the clergy and supporters of the UOC. During the reporting period, the government and law enforcement agencies were unable to effectively respond to incidents related to 'hate speech.' Additionally, several regional councils have banned the operation of the UOC," emphasized the UN.

As reported, at the UN’s request, the Ukrainian authorities did not forcibly evict UOC monks from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

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