Freedom of religion under threat in Ukraine amid Russian invasion
In the light of the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia, experts and human rights activists are concerned for religious freedom. They fear religious minorities will face the same human rights violations as in Russian controlled areas. Religious groups suffer discrimination in Crimea and the pro-Russian controlled areas of Luhansk and Donetsk.
The ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces is a humanitarian catastrophe and the cause for the senseless death of innocent lives and thousands of people fleeing their country.
Among the many concerns that arise in this situation, experts are warning about the possible deterioration of religious freedom in Ukraine. They fear that religious minorities will face human rights violations if Russian authorities take over.
Russia has been considered as a “country of particular concern” by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom since 2017. Many reports confirm religious minorities suffer discrimination and abuse of power by Russian authorities.
Also, in a letter submitted to the UN, the U.S. Ambassador, Bathsheba Nell Crocker, expressed concern regarding the targeting of religious groups by Russian forces.
Source: religionandpolitics.org
