Abstract
The article analyzes the principle of freedom of conscience as a fundamental human right; the principles, objectives, and subjects of the Law of Ukraine “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations” (as amended); the political and legal context of amendments to the Law, achievements and contradictions in its implementation, as well as recommendations for improving the Law and its practical application. The methodological basis of the research is grounded in a comprehensive analysis of legal acts, the practice of their application, and relevant decisions of international institutions in the field of human rights protection. Special attention is given to examining the relationship between declarative principles and the mechanisms of their actual implementation in administrative and judicial practice. This approach makes it possible to identify discrepancies between declarative rights and their practical enforcement, which is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of the legal system. It is stated that the Law has played an important role in transforming the state’s policy on religious issues in accordance with international legal norms; however, its structure and terminology do not always correspond to modern social challenges and EU legal standards. Mechanisms for the realization of the rights of religious organizations, their protection in case of violations, remain unregulated or insufficiently defined, while modern trends related to the digitalization of the religious environment and new forms of religious initiatives are not taken into account. In the course of the analysis, typical problem areas in law enforcement were identified, particularly procedural obstacles and ambiguous interpretations of norms, which lead to inconsistency in legal practice. Particular attention is given to the relationship between de jure established norms and de facto existing mechanisms of their implementation in public-law relations. Emphasis is placed on the imperative observance of such fundamental principles as proportionality, legal certainty, and non-discrimination in the implementation of any restrictive or regulatory measures. Several recommendations for improving the content of the Law and its practical implementation have been summarized: the development of a state policy strategy in the sphere of freedom of conscience, taking into account European standards of church-state relations, simplifying the registration of religious organizations, and enhancing the legal literacy of both state officials and representatives of religious organizations, among others.
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