How Does the UN Respond to Violations of the Rights of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia

Various UN bodies have repeatedly concluded that Russia persecutes Jehovah's Witnesses solely for the peaceful practice of their religion. The Human Rights Committee and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found discrimination against a religious minority, arbitrary deprivation of liberty, and violations of the rights to freedom of religion, expression, and association in the actions of the authorities. They called on Russia to stop the criminal prosecution of Jehovah's Witnesses, release the believers, pay compensation to the victims, and prevent similar violations in the future.

These bodies are not international courts, so their decisions are not enforced through the same mechanism as the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights. However, they provide an authoritative international legal assessment of the persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses and indicate what measures the state must take to restore their rights. Below are publications on the findings and recommendations of UN bodies.