The British Foreign Office has announced that the UK is urging Ukraine to ensure freedom of conscience and religion in the country, and to prevent any discrimination against religious organizations.
This call comes in response to developments related to a Ukrainian bill concerning religious organizations.
British Deputy Foreign Minister, Tariq Ahmad, stated that the UK is closely monitoring the Ukrainian bill and continues to urge Ukrainian partners to ensure that the law aligns with Ukraine’s commitments to guarantee freedom of conscience and religion.
This response was given to an inquiry from Nick Baines, a member of the British Parliament and Bishop of Leeds.
Ahmad also considered that “the only way to restore the guarantee of freedom of conscience and religion” in Ukraine is the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory.
This statement reflects the broader context of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia and its impact on religious freedoms in the region.
In October of the previous year, the Ukrainian parliament ratified the first reading of a bill, prepared under the direction of President Volodymyr Zelensky, on “freedom of conscience and religious organizations” in the country.
This legislation primarily targets the Ukrainian Orthodox Church affiliated with the Moscow Patriarchate, by banning activities of religious organizations linked to Russia.
The British call for religious freedom in Ukraine highlights the international community’s concern over potential discrimination and the suppression of religious rights amidst the complex geopolitical landscape.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by countries in balancing national security concerns with the protection of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of religion.
