OSCE Centre helps foster dialogue on religious freedom in Kyrgyzstan
BISHKEK, 11 November 2008 - Helping authorities, religious groups and civil society foster a dialogue on religious matters is the purpose of a meeting in the Kyrgyz capital today.
The event, organized by the State Committee on Religious Affairs with the support of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, brought together government officials, leaders of religious confessions, international organizations and NGOs. They will discuss the findings and recommendations of a series of seminars held in all provinces of the country.
"Today's meeting aims to ensure a constructive dialogue between all relevant stakeholders on ways to fully exercise the right to freedom of religion for individuals from all confessions without any discrimination. Implementing international standards on freedom of religion in Kyrgyzstan is crucial," said Lilian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre.
Kanybek Osmonaliev, the Chairman of the State Committee on Religious Affairs, added: "The projects we have so far implemented in co-operation with the OSCE Centre in the sphere of religion have shown the need to increase the competency of all government structures on religious issues. I believe we need to continue working together to bring these issues to the community level as well."