The governing body of Jehovah's Witnesses mandates the practice of "shunning" individuals who formally disassociate themselves from the Watch Tower organisation or who are "removed" from the organisation for breaking one of their rules.

Friends and family members of the shunned individuals are forced to cut off all association with the former member. This practice has resulted in thousands of individuals becoming depressed, having mental breakdowns, and even committing suicide.

When questioned in court, legal representatives for the Watch Tower organisation mislead judges by stating that shunning only involves the prohibition of spiritual fellowship. This is a blatant lie. Except in the case where a disassociated or disfellowshipped person lives under the same roof, Jehovah's Witnesses are expected to terminate all association or risk being sanctioned themselves.

Mandated shunning is a barbaric form of mental and emotional abuse and a violation of the Declaration of Human Rights. Banning this inhumane practice will save many lives from being ruined or lost entirely.