MFA: Ukraine does not violate believers' rights, mind Russia instead
MFA building. Photo: tva.ua
On January 10, the MFA issued a statement highlighting the state of religious freedom in territories temporarily occupied by Russia and reaffirming that there are no violations in Ukrainian-controlled areas.
“Numerous reports and assessments from influential international and foreign organizations, inclusively the Concluding observations of the UN Human Rights Committee and annual reports on the religious freedom of the U.S. Department of State, which designated Russia as a ‘country of special concern’, have documented egregious violations of religious freedom committed by the Russian invaders on the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine,” the statement reads.
The Ministry urges the international community to "strongly condemn these flagrant human rights violations, particularly the right to freedom of conscience, in the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation; strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation and increase pressure on Russian authorities; intensify efforts to bring to justice all those responsible for the crime of aggression, genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity."
At the same time, the MFA insisted: “Despite the war conditions, Ukraine remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting and upholding religious freedom, adhering to the principles of international law that govern freedom of religion or belief.”
As previously reported by UOJ, a UN report pointed out that Ukraine has not demonstrated the legality of banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and stated that it awaits a response from Ukrainian authorities regarding the seizure of the UOC cathedral in Cherkasy.
Read also
In Volyn, the OCU consecrated a memorial sign to a UPA commander
In the village of Botyn, representatives of the OCU supported the glorification of UPA figures at the state level by consecrating a monument to a commander.
UOC deacon dies saving drowning child in Finland
The deacon immediately rushed to help when he saw a child in danger, but was unable to reach the shore himself.
TRC abducts priest of UOC Tulchyn Eparchy
The whereabouts of the UOC archpriest detained by the recruitment officers are currently unknown.
Pagan Kupala festival held on Odesa seashore
An ethno-festival titled “Kupala Night” was held on an inclusive beach in Odesa.
Zelensky: I am not Prince Volodymyr, and Nawrocki is not a king
Zelensky attempted a play on the Polish president’s name by alluding to a “king,” although the name Karol derives from the Germanic Karl rather than from the word “king.”
March in defense of family and Christian upbringing held in Macedonia
In the city of Bitola, thousands of faithful joined a march to defend young people’s right to live according to the norms of the Orthodox faith.