Committee of the UN published information on violations of the rights of the UOC

The UOC reported that the UN Human Rights Committee published document CCPR/C/145/2/Add.3 in Geneva on May 11, 2026, which took into account information submitted by the Cherkasy and Kaniv Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This is stated in the UN document database.

In the section summarizing materials received from stakeholders, the Committee indicated that it had reviewed information submitted by the Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC and a number of human rights organizations. The document reflects reports of pressure on journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders engaged in protecting the rights of believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), and also mentions the criminal prosecution of journalists, searches, surveillance, and the application of national security provisions to individuals associated with the UOC.

In the assessment section, the Committee expressed concern over civil society reports of undue interference with freedom of expression and the use of vague national security legislation to restrict legitimate advocacy. The document also mentions the absence of an effective investigation into the events surrounding the seizure of the UOC cathedral in Cherkasy on October 17, 2024. The Cherkasy and Kaniv Diocese stated that it would continue to use international legal mechanisms to protect believers, clergy, and church advocates.

As the UOJ previously reported, the UN accused Ukraine of persecuting UOC clergy, communities, and journalists. The current document of the UN Human Rights Committee demonstrates that information about the situation surrounding the UOC continues to be subject to review by international mechanisms and is being included not only in applicants' submissions but also in the official conclusions of UN bodies.

Read also