JOINT PRESS RELEASE
UN-Accredited Human Rights NGOs Submit Written Initiating Package to U.S. Congress on UN-Documented Violations of Religious Freedom Affecting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
A coalition of international human rights organizations holding consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has formally submitted
a Written Initiating Package to the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) and addressed related materials
to Representative Anna Paulina Luna, a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, concerning UN-documented violations of freedom of religion or belief
affecting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).
The submission is grounded in findings of UN Special
Procedures, official communications and press releases of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights, and registered NGO submissions to the UN Human Rights Council. The materials
document patterns of criminal prosecution of clergy for sermons and theological expression, discriminatory legislation affecting a single religious denomination, arbitrary detention, and
discriminatory mobilization practices impacting UOC clergy.
Legal Basis under U.S. Law
The initiating package is submitted to assist congressional oversight within the framework of:
- the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), which mandates U.S. monitoring and response to serious violations of religious freedom abroad;
- Congress’s oversight authority over U.S. foreign policy, human rights benchmarks, and assistance to partner states;
- U.S. accountability mechanisms, including review under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, where credible information indicates individual responsibility for serious human rights violations.
Established Congressional Practice
The coalition notes that submissions by international human rights NGOs to congressional committees are a well-established practice in the United States. Comparable
written submissions by organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other UN-accredited NGOs have previously been:
- entered into committee records;
- used to inform congressional hearings and briefings; and
- followed by concrete oversight actions, executive-branch reviews, and, in certain cases, targeted sanctions and restrictive measures under U.S. law.
Purpose of the Initiating Package
The submitted materials are intended to:
- inform the official record of the House Foreign Affairs Committee;
- support congressional scrutiny of UN-documented violations of freedom of religion;
- enable informed engagement by Members of Congress with the executive branch and relevant U.S. institutions, including the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Role of Congressional Leadership
The coalition emphasizes that, on the basis of this initiating package, Members of Congress who have publicly supported the protection of Christian communities and freedom of religion, will be
positioned to strengthen their efforts and initiate concrete actions within the U.S. legal and political system. These actions may include
hearings, briefings, oversight correspondence, and accountability reviews consistent with congressional authority.
Parallel Submission to the U.S. Senate
In parallel, the same initiating package has been transmitted to the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, ensuring bicameral awareness and continuity of congressional
oversight on this matter.
Outlook
The undersigned organizations express their hope that these submissions will contribute to careful congressional consideration, reinforce the United States’ longstanding
commitment to freedom of religion or belief, and support lawful and proportionate responses to serious human rights concerns documented by the United Nations.
Signed by:
Public Organization “Public Advocacy”
holding consultative status with UN ECOSOC
Public Institution “For Human Rights”
holding consultative status with UN ECOSOC
International Alliance “Church Against Xenophobia and Discrimination”
Christian Society for Human Rights e.V.
Washington, D.C. — 12 January 2026
For additional information and requests: [email protected]
Related links:
Ukraine: UN experts warn of persecution against
Ukrainian Orthodox Church
The communication of the UN to the Government of Ukraine regarding violations of the UOC´s rights
