UN criticises Ukraine law allowing religious bans on church over historical ties to Russia Photo

A United Nations human rights report has raised concerns over a Ukrainian law that permits the banning of religious organisations based on their historical ties to Russia.

The report stresses that canonical or historical connections to a foreign religious centre should not, by themselves, justify the prohibition of a religious group, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The UN emphasises that any measures affecting freedom of religion must be targeted, evidence-based, and proportionate, warning that otherwise they risk violating internationally guaranteed rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

The document notes that searches, interrogations, and investigative actions continue within religious institutions across Ukraine. Authorities have also imposed restrictions on the activities of religious communities, including refusing to renew leases on religious buildings.

According to the report, Ukrainian authorities have continued to apply criminal, administrative, and other restrictive measures against members of religious organisations under the justification of national security concerns.

The UN warned that such actions risk imposing collective responsibility, targeting entire religious groups rather than individuals based on their specific behaviour. It stressed that any state interference with freedom of thought, conscience, and religion must be necessary and proportionate to a legitimate objective.

By Sabina Mammadli