Administrative and legal support for the implementation of citizens’ right to freedom of the religion by the National Police of Ukraine

The author emphasizes that one of the fundamental human rights, guaranteed by both national and international law, is the right for freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. At the same time, religious freedom is one of the core democratic values and guaranteed human rights, recognized and protected by both the national legislation of Ukraine and international legal instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In the context of safeguarding this right, the National Police of Ukraine plays an important role, being tasked with protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, maintaining public order, and preventing offenses, including ones in the sphere of religious relations. The article provides a comprehensive study of the activities of the National Police of Ukraine in ensuring the realization of one of the fundamental human rights – the right to freedom of thought, outlook, and religion. Based on an analysis of international legal instruments, the Constitution of Ukraine, and current legislation, the article reveals the normative and legal foundations for the implementation of this right, the specific features of the administrative and legal mechanism for its protection, as well as the functional role of the police in the sphere of state-confessional relations. Special attention is given to the current challenges arising in the course of police activities, particularly under conditions of martial law, hybrid aggression, and threats to national security, which impact the observance of citizens’ religious freedoms. The article identifies key practical problems, including insufficient legal training of police officers, risks of politicization of the religious environment, and the presence of conflict-prone situations during changes in communities’ religious affiliation. Specific directions are proposed for improving the activities of the National Police in the field of guaranteeing rights and freedoms in the religious context, aimed at ensuring interfaith harmony, increasing public trust in law enforcement agencies, and strengthening democratic principles in the state.