Critical Reflection

The Delegation of the United Kingdom

27/03/23

On Religious Freedoms in Russia & Ukraine

The United Kingdom welcomes this effort from the United Nations Security Council to reaffirm its commitment to religious freedoms and human rights within both Russia and Ukraine, a commitment that is vital given the current ongoing events.

The United Kingdom has long been one of the staunchest advocates for religious freedoms and remains at the forefront of the fight against oppression globally. We firmly believe that every individual has the right to freedom of religion or belief, as enshrined in international law and that every UN member state has an obligation to uphold these rights, promoting and protecting the rights of individuals to practise their religions or beliefs and to manifest them through worship, teaching, practices, and observances.

The UK is proud of the support we have given Ukraine since 2014, and we will continue to stand by our allies in Kyiv for as long as it takes to see them repel the invaders and occupiers from their lands. That being said though our support is unwavering, any credible allegations of rights violations on either side of this conflict must be investigated with impartiality. 

Ukraine has demonstrated its commitment to religious freedoms and is signatory to UN conventions on the issue. This right is also enshrined in the Ukrainian Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights, of which Ukraine is a signatory. We will continue to work with Ukraine to ensure these rights remain protected and respected, and that religious and cultural diversity is celebrated.

The UK maintains the belief that the limitations on religious freedom throughout Ukraine, spanning both areas under the control of the government and those occupied by the Russian Federation, stem directly from the ongoing conflict in the region. As long as this conflict persists, it may prove challenging for either state to negotiate and implement policies aimed at ending religious persecution.

We strongly condemn all the actions of the Russian Federation within Ukraine and would like to remind the council of Russia's repeated use of religion, in particular the orthodox church as a tool for state oppression. Historically the church has been used as a powerful tool to shape and realign the way ordinary people “explain suffering, form values, craft identities, and imagine change.” Since 2009, under the leadership of Patriarch Kirill, the Russian Orthodox Church has, in association with the Russian government, been able to mould Russian sentiments and worldviews to craft a cultural unity which has the power to decree and mobilise concrete actions without question.

President Vladimir Putin has been able to domestically justify the illegal invasion of Ukraine by suggesting it was at the defence of the Orthodox faith against a so-called Nazi regime and has used religious faith to undermine democratic opposition to the war and deprive Ukraine of its identity. We condemn the weaponization and politicisation of religion as it is a damaging sign of the conflict which will entrench the differences between both nations for generations to come. The military conflict will inevitably come to an end, but the implications will persist.

Looking back at past Russian actions we can see an increasingly alarming trend, a complete disregard for human rights and religious freedoms. And the politicisation of the Russian orthodox church to become a propaganda tool enabling Russia to undermine religious groups, as we have seen with the oppression of Crimean Tatars, imprisonment of Muslims, efforts to force Protestants to flee, torturing Orthodox Christians and persecuting Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The UK believes that it is the role of this council to ensure the safety and freedom of religious groups in the region, through a peacekeeping, monitoring and oversight mission under the joint command of council member states. 

We also believe that the council itself must acknowledge and undertake efforts to address the long-standing need for reform. The council must reflect the interests of all nations and must do so based on current demographics if it is to remain an objective, neutral and functional arbitrator in global conflict and international disagreements. 

The UK expresses its desire to cooperate with all members of the security council in good faith towards these goals which will improve the situation in the region for all parties involved.

Sources

Concerned by Restrictions on Religious Freedom, Speakers Warn against Using Religion to Fuel Conflict, as Security Council Considers Situation in Ukraine – UN

Russia is committing heinous crimes against Ukraine and trying to pull the wool over our eyes: UK Statement at the UN Security Council - GOV.UK

The Role of Religion in Contemporary Russia and for the War in Ukraine – LSE

UK Government’s guidance on freedom of religion & belief - GOV.UK

UK Government’s humanitarian response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - GOV.UK