Connection e.V. participates in the follow up procedure on Ukraine at the UNHRC on freedom of expression
22th July 2025
«Connection e.V.» submitted a special report to the UN Human Rights Committee commenting the concluding observations the Committee published at the conclusion of the review of Ukraine and includes updates since November 2021.
The report presents international standards concerning freedom of expression of those supporting conscientious objectors to military service, then describes violations of the right to freedom of expression and details the case of Yurii Sheliazhenko.
«The submission concerns primarily the right to freedom of expression, corresponding to one of the three recommendations selected by the Committee for the follow—up procedure (para. 54). It refers specifically to the right of freedom of expression of human rights defenders who support conscientious objectors or who promote the right to conscientious objection to military service, as well as those promoting peace and the right to peace.»
In its Concluding Observations, the Committee recommended (para. 48):
«[…] 48. The State party should prohibit officials from interfering with the legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of expression of human rights defenders and journalists, guarantee defenders’ and journalists’ effective protection against any kind of threat, pressure, intimidation or attack and ensure that illegal acts are thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are appropriately charged and brought to justice. The State party should ensure that any restrictions on the right to freedom of opinion on national security grounds comply fully with the strict requirements of article 19 of the Covenant and the Committee’s general comment No. 34 (2011). […]»
In conclusion, «Connection e.V.» notes with concern that the information provided in this report indicates that the State party not only has failed to implement the relevant recommendation, but through actions of its authorities, the State party has rather «adopted measures that are contrary to or have results or consequences that are contrary to the recommendation of the Committee».
FOLLOW—UP PROCEDURE
The Committee may request the State party to give priority to certain aspects of its concluding observations and, thus, request follow—up information on those aspects. The Committee assesses the information provided by the State party and other stakeholders; and adopts a follow—up report. NGOs may provide information on follow—up reports submitted by States parties.
The Committee, in accordance with article 40(1b) of the Covenant, may prepare follow—up reports to concluding observations based on the reports submitted by States parties to the Covenant with a view to assisting them in fulfilling their obligations under the Covenant.
Keywords: ⇒ Conscientious Objection ⇒ Ukraine ⇒ United Nations