UN Committee publishes information on violations of UOC rights
The UN Human Rights Committee has included information about pressure on believers, journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders in its documentation on Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church reported that on May 11, 2026, the UN Human Rights Committee published document CCPR/C/145/2/Add.3 in Geneva, 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 information received from stakeholders, the Committee noted that it had reviewed submissions provided by the Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC and several human rights organizations. The document reflects reports of pressure on journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders involved in protecting the rights of believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. It also mentions the criminal prosecution of journalists, searches, surveillance, and the use of national security legislation against individuals associated with the UOC.
In its assessment, the Committee expressed concern over reports from civil society regarding unjustified interference with freedom of expression and the use of vaguely worded national security legislation to restrict legitimate viewpoints. The document also refers to the lack 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 will continue to use international legal mechanisms to defend believers, clergy, and those advocating for the Church’s rights.
As the UOJ reported, the UN has previously accused Ukraine of persecuting UOC clergy, communities, and journalists. The latest document of the UN Human Rights Committee indicates that information concerning the situation surrounding the UOC remains under review by international mechanisms and is being incorporated not only into submissions from applicants but also into the official findings of UN bodies.
