Cherkasy hierarch speaks at UN about unlawful mobilization of UOC clergy

Metropolitan Feodosiy spoke at the UN about the unlawful mobilization of UOC clerics. Photo: Cherkasy Eparchy

On October 3, 2025, Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv made a video statement at the 40th meeting of the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council during an interactive dialogue on Ukraine with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, reports the press service of the Cherkasy Eparchy.

The bishop informed diplomats of UN member states about the issue of the unlawful and discriminatory denial of the right of UOC clergy to obtain deferments from mobilization, although such a right was granted to all other denominations in Ukraine.

According to the archbishop, UOC clergy, unlike representatives of other religious organizations, are being denied deferments from conscription. The bishop called this a selective deprivation of rights of one religious group and a violation of Ukraine's international obligations to protect human rights.

Metropolitan Theodosiy has repeatedly appealed to international bodies with complaints about the infringement of UOC rights. Previously, with his participation and the support of the human rights alliance "Church against Xenophobia and Discrimination," seven UN special rapporteurs prepared a conclusion on Ukrainian criminal cases against UOC clergy and believers.

As earlier reported, in this document, UN experts concluded that criminal prosecution for statements about the 'non-canonicity' of other church structures, criticism of the authorities, and the expression of religious beliefs contradicts international law. Criminal prosecution is permissible only in cases of direct incitement to violence, which, as claimed, was not present in the actions of the accused UOC representatives.

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