UN recommends that Ukraine revise the law banning UOC
Assistant to the UN Secretary General Ilze Brands Keris. Photo: press.un.org
n November 17, 2023, the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ilze Brands Kehris, stated that the Ukrainian authorities should revise the text of the draft law No. 8371, which provides for the prohibition of the UOC. She made this statement during a UN Security Council meeting, according to the organization's press service.
The Assistant Secretary-General emphasized that the authors of the draft law should "clearly define the specific legitimate aim of the proposed restrictions and ensure their necessity and proportionality and revise the text accordingly."
"International law permits restrictions on the freedom to manifest religion only if they are prescribed by law and necessary to protect public safety, order, health or morals, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others," she added.
As reported by the UOJ, the UN noted an increase in violence against believers in Ukraine.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.