DESS and PACE discuss law banning the UOC and mobilization of clergy

Meeting between representatives of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) and the PACE delegation. Photo: DESS press service

On October 9, 2025, representatives of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) met with co-rapporteurs of the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the agency’s press service reported.

The meeting was attended by Viktor Voynalovych, First Deputy Head of DESS, as well as PACE representatives Saara-Sofia Sirén, Damien Cottier, and Bas Klein.

The main topic of discussion was freedom of conscience and religious rights in Ukraine, particularly in the context of the law “On the Protection of the Constitutional Order in the Sphere of Religious Organizations' Activity.” This law, effectively aimed against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, has raised concern among international observers and human rights advocates.

According to Voynalovych, the law was “a response to public demands for a break with the Russian Orthodox Church.” However, religious circles believe that such formulations pave the way for discrimination against millions of believers and violations of their constitutional rights.

The discussion also addressed updates to legislation on alternative (non-military) service and the possibility of exempting clergy from mobilization. DESS representatives stated they are working on “improving mechanisms” for registering and accounting for clergy.

The parties also exchanged views on the rights of national minorities and indigenous peoples. The PACE delegation stressed the importance of Ukraine’s adherence to its international obligations, including ensuring freedom of religion and protecting religious communities from political interference.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in the updated list of religious organizations eligible for clergy exemption, out of 9,000 registered entities, UOC structures were again absent.

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