UN summit calls to enhance the protection of the rights of UOC believers

Summit at the UN Headquarters

From April 29 to May 1, 2019, the Second Global Summit on Religion, Peace and Security "Building bridges, fostering inclusivity and countering hate speech to enhance the protection of religious minorities, refugees and migrants" was held at the UN headquarters in Geneva. The event is organized by the Office of the UN Secretary-General, reports the NGO "Public Advocacy", whose representatives participated in the summit.

“The NGO ‘Public Advocacy’, relying on its consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, the results of monitoring the observance of the rights of believers of the UOC in Ukraine, Orthodox Christians of Montenegro, Macedonia, and Middle Eastern countries, called on the summit participants to enhance the protection of the rights of Orthodox Christians of the UOC, Montenegro, Macedonia in connection with an increase in violations of the rights of Christians in these countries, including those motivated by discrimination on the part of representatives of public authorities,” reports the website of the human rights organization.

The summit participants approved an Action Plan based on the UN agenda and the obligations of the participating States, which will be sent by the human rights organization “Public Advocacy” to the President, the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine for implementation in accordance with international law and the obligations of Ukraine to protect.

Recommendations and a report on the identified violations of the rights of Orthodox Christians in the context of the Action Plan developed by the summit will be sent to the Government of Montenegro and Macedonia, as well as published in the framework of the upcoming regular session of the UN Human Rights Council and OSCE meetings.

Earlier, Bishop Victor noted that the international community is responding to lawlessness against the UOC.

The UOJ also reported that the UOC communities are massively seeking protection from international organizations.

Read also

Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training

Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Black, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.

Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again

A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.

OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience

More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.

Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors

The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.

Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies

ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.

Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says

Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.