Advertisement UN Rights Group Raises Concerns Over Shincheonji DiscriminationAn international human rights organization has raised concerns about what it describes as growing discrimination against members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. The group is urging governments to base administrative and judicial decisions on verified evidence instead of public perception.The Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Libert de Conscience (CAP LC) submitted a written statement to the United Nations Human Rights Council. CAP LC is an international NGO with special consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).According to Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the submission highlights the need to protect religious minorities. It also calls for impartial legal processes based on established legal standards.Human Rights Group Calls for Evidence-Based DecisionsCAP LC said governments should focus on legal standards when handling cases involving religious groups. The organization said authorities should not rely on assumptions about a groups religious beliefs.It also warned that negative perceptions and unverified claims can spread quickly across borders. As a result, they may influence administrative and judicial decisions in other countries.Therefore, CAP LC urged governments to rely on verifiable evidence, objective legal standards and due process when making decisions involving religious organizations.According to Shincheonji Church, this approach protects not only its members but also other religious minorities that could face similar treatment.UN Rights Group Raises Concerns Over Shincheonji DiscriminationCases in Europe Raise Fresh ConcernsCAP LC cited several cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries. The organization said these cases show that discrimination can extend beyond public criticism.In the United Kingdom, the Charity Commission rejected Shincheonji Churchs application for charitable registration after referring to the church as a cult. CAP LC argued that officials should avoid such terminology unless the law clearly defines it. The organization warned that such language can reinforce social stigma.Meanwhile, CAP LC cited reports from Germany and neighbouring German-speaking countries where some church members allegedly faced workplace discrimination. It also said a book published in 2025 by evangelical activists strengthened negative public perceptions.According to CAP LC, these developments show how public narratives can influence employment opportunities, social acceptance and institutional decisions.South Korea Investigation Draws International AttentionCAP LC also addressed the ongoing legal proceedings involving Shincheonji Church in South Korea.The organization criticized claims that church members political participation automatically amounts to improper collaboration between religion and politics.Instead, CAP LC argued that every citizen has the right to join a political party. It said authorities should not treat religious affiliation as evidence of wrongdoing.For this reason, the organization called on South Korean authorities to uphold freedom of religion, prevent discrimination and maintain state neutrality.Questions Over Chairman Lees DetentionThe statement comes as South Korean authorities continue investigating Shincheonji Church Chairman Lee Man-hee.Authorities arrested the 95-year-old chairman on June 24. Prosecutors later indicted him on June 29 on charges that include alleged violations of the Political Parties Act.Prosecutors claim church members joined a political party as part of an organized effort to influence internal party elections.However, Shincheonji Church rejects those allegations. The church says members joined voluntarily and that Chairman Lee cooperated fully throughout the investigation.Furthermore, the church argues that Lees detention raises concerns about necessity and proportionality. It notes that investigators had already secured key evidence through searches and seizures before his detention.The church also maintains that courts should rely on objective evidence instead of political debate or public opinion.International Focus on Religious FreedomCAP LC has previously submitted statements to the United Nations on religious freedom issues involving other religious groups. These include the Church of Almighty God in China and the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification in Japan.According to Shincheonji Church, the latest submission shows that the case has attracted international attention beyond South Korea.The church believes the issue has become part of a broader discussion about protecting religious minorities and ensuring equal treatment under the law.Meanwhile, the international community continues to watch the case closely. Observers are monitoring whether authorities consistently uphold legal standards, due process and judicial independence.According to Shincheonji Church, the outcome will extend beyond one religious organization. It could also demonstrate how effectively governments protect the rights of minority faith communities under international human rights principles.The post UN Rights Group Raises Concerns Over Shincheonji Discrimination appeared first on Africa Business News.