UOC hierarch reports discriminatory mobilization in Ukraine at UN session

Metropolitan Theodosiy addressed the UN Human Rights Council. Photo: Cherkasy Eparchy

Metropolitan Theodosiy (Snihirev)of Cherkasy and Kaniv addressed the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva with a statement on the discriminatory mobilization of clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, reports the Cherkasy Eparchy.

The archpastor addressed the participants of the international debates at the Palace of Nations in a video format as part of the discussion of agenda item 4 — "Human rights situations that require the Council's attention."

In his address, the hierarch drew the world community's attention to the unequal position of clergy of various denominations. He stated that forcibly mobilized UOC clergy were killed and went missing at the front, while clergy of other religious organizations have access to deferments and service as military chaplains. For UOC clerics, these opportunities remain effectively unavailable.

The bishop noted that the problem has not been resolved even after the intervention of UN special procedures. In addition, Metropolitan Theodosiy raised the issues of ongoing criminal prosecutions against bishops and clergy, as well as court proceedings aimed at eliminating the legal existence of UOC church structures.

"Today, merely recording violations is not enough. Effective protection is needed," the UOC hierarch concluded, calling on international human rights mechanisms to take concrete action.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Theodosiy reported on religious genocide in Ukraine at the UN session.

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