UN experts urge Ukraine to revise law banning UOC

UN General Assembly. Photo: Loey Felipe

Independent UN human rights experts expressed deep concern over Ukraine’s law targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, stating that it does not comply with international norms on human rights.

“We are concerned that the question of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s alleged ecclesiastical and canonical links with the Moscow Patriarchate – currently under judicial scrutiny – restricts the scope of freedom of worship and religious practice,” the experts said, adding that these elements are integral parts of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

The experts also voiced alarm over the Ukrainian government’s decision to revoke Metropolitan Onuphry’s citizenship on national security grounds in July 2025, as well as over ongoing court proceedings against senior hierarchs of the UOC, priests, and human rights defenders.

“Freedom of thought, conscience and religion is non-derogable, even in times of armed conflict,” the experts said, as they recalled Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and General Comment No. 22.

“These prosecutions appear to amount to collective punishment against members of the UOC and those defending them,” the specialists said, calling on the Ukrainian government to revise Law No. 3894-IX and to end judicial and administrative actions against UOC clergy.

The experts emphasized that national security and anti-extremism legislation should not be used to "unduly curtail legitimate religious activity."

The statement was issued by the following UN experts: Giorgos Katrougalos (Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order), Nazila Ghanea (Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief), Nicolas Levrat (Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues), Ben Saul (Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism), and Gina Romero (Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association).

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the UN had accused Ukraine of persecuting UOC clergy, communities, and journalists.

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