UN concerned by Ukraine’s ban on Russia-linked Church

GENEVA — The UN Human Rights Office on Tuesday said it was studying Kyiv's ban on the Russian-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church, saying it raised serious concerns regarding the freedom of religion.

Ukraine's parliament voted last month to ban the church, a move Kyiv says strengthens its independence as the country cuts ties with institutions it considers aligned with Moscow. 

"The law does raise serious concerns with regards to compliance with international human rights law, especially the freedom of religion. It will take us time to analyse it," Human Rights Office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a media briefing. 

"At first sight already, we can say that the law does raise concerns regarding compliance with international human rights standards." 

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. 

Moscow's invasion has been backed by the Russian Orthodox Church leader Patriarch Kirill, a staunch ally of President Vladimir Putin. 

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church officially broke away from the Moscow patriarchy in 2022, but Ukrainian officials repeatedly accuse its clerics of staying loyal to Russia.

A majority of Ukrainian lawmakers approved the bill outlawing religious organisations linked with Russia, which will mostly affect the Moscow-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the bill into law on August 24.