UN requests anti-church law for analysis
The European Union has taken note of the law passed by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, which effectively bans the UOC.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has begun reviewing the provisions of Law 8371, which effectively bans the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). This was reported by Russian media, citing the official representative of OHCHR, Elizabeth Throssell.
"We are aware of the adoption of this law by the Ukrainian parliament and are in the process of obtaining and analyzing its provisions," Throssell stated.
Meanwhile, the EU’s External Action Service representative, Peter Stano, also commented on the adopted law.
"We have taken note of the Ukrainian parliament's approval of the law on August 20, which bans, on security grounds and to prevent foreign Russian interference, the activities of religious organizations in Ukraine affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church."
He noted that the Ukrainian Constitution contains provisions that proclaim freedom of choice for citizens in the sphere of religion and beliefs. This is in line with the European Convention on Human Rights and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. According to Stano, the EU believes that Ukraine will ensure the protection of these rights for its citizens.
As reported by the UOJ, the Ukrainian government did not respond to UN calls to take positive steps as part of the Action Plan to Combat Religious Intolerance.
