The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the adoption of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe resolution “Countering discrimination based on religion and protecting freedom of religion or belief”.

Ukraine consistently supports the strengthening of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion as one of the fundamental human rights enshrined, in particular, in the European Convention on Human Rights. Ensuring equality and non-discrimination is an indispensable prerequisite for the full realization of this right in a democratic society.

Of particular significance is the resolution’s recognition that violations of freedom of religion or belief may be linked to situations of armed conflict and foreign occupation. Russian aggression against Ukraine is accompanied by systematic violations of religious freedom in the temporarily occupied territories, persecution of religious communities not under the control of the aggressor state, and the use of religion as a tool of political influence.

In this context, Ukraine welcomes the call for proper monitoring, documentation, and response to such violations at the national and international levels, which is an important element of ensuring accountability.