USCIRF comments on the situation in Ukraine
Logo of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Photo: USCIRF's website
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has released its 2024 annual report on the state of religious freedom around the world.
The report notes that “In August, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky signed into law new legal amendments related to the activities of religious organizations, despite widespread concerns about the amendments’ compatibility with international law.”
According to commission members, the new law “ bans the Russian Orthodox Church—which only operates in Russian-occupied Ukraine—and “Russian world” (Russky mir) ideology.'”
“The amendments would likely significantly impact the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which Ukrainian authorities and society have viewed with suspicion following Russia’s 2022 invasion, due to the UOC’s historical and ecclesiastical ties to the Moscow Patriarchate. Furthermore, the new amendments risk imposing collective punishment on individual members of religious communities,” the report states.
Commission members also recalled that in December 2024, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) criticized the amendments, stating that they impose “disproportionate restrictions on the freedom to manifest one’s religion or belief”. USCIRF urged the Ukrainian government to ensure that implementation of the amendments aligns with international human rights standards.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to a report by the OHCHR dated December 31, 2024, Ukraine had failed to justify the necessity and proportionality of measures aimed at dissolving religious organizations, including the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.