2023-03-11 22:18:11
Joint Urgent Message of OSCE CiO’s Personal Representatives on the planned eviction of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
With great concern, we observe the measures being taken by the Government of Ukraine regarding the planned eviction by the 29th of March 2023 of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
We have no other option but to qualify it as a manifest violation of Ukraine’s obligations under the international human rights law, including in the field of freedom of religion or belief, as well as of relevant commitments, and to strongly condemn it.
We urge President Volodimir Zelenskiy and the Government of Ukraine to respect human rights standards holistically. We recall that OSCE Participating States must address acts of religious intolerance in a human rights-compliant manner. Any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence should be prohibited by law.
We also remind that OSCE participating States are obliged to respect the freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief for all without distinction of race, sex, gender, ethnicity, language, or religion.
In view of the above we resolutely call upon the Government of Ukraine to immediately reconsider its decision to forcefully evict the
Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and to further ensure the freedom of thought, conscience and religion in the entire territory of Ukraine in compliance with the relevant international obligations and commitments.
Rabbi Andrew Baker, Personal Representative on Combating Anti-Semitism
Ambassador İsmail Hakkı Musa, Personal Representative on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims
Professor Regina Polak, Personal Representative on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, also focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions
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