OSCE Centre promotes dialogue on freedom of religion or belief

BISHKEK, 30 November 2011 – A roundtable discussion today organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and the State Commission on Religious Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic gathered state officials, religious leaders and civil society representatives to discuss co-operation to promote freedom of religion or belief in law and practice.

Members of Parliament, government officials and representatives of law enforcement agencies, religious leaders and civil society discussed ways to improve the interaction among state bodies and religious and civil society organizations in Kyrgyzstan with a view to enhancing the protection of freedom of religion or belief on the basis of mutual understanding and constructive dialogue. The discussion also focused on the overall context in Kyrgyzstan, the potential for related policy reforms in line with applicable international human rights standards, and freedom of religion as a tool for conflict prevention.

Volker Jacoby, the Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said: “The freedom of individuals to hold and manifest their religious beliefs is one of the basic characteristics of a democratic society. State authorities play a crucial role in safeguarding this basic right of individuals and religious groups alike. The meeting today is very important to exchange views and identify the next steps towards realizing this fundamental right.”

Ormonbek Sharshenov, the Director of the State Commission on Religious Affairs under Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, said: “The continuous improvement of legal provisions that respond to the interests of both the State and religious organizations is essential for making further progress in safeguarding freedom of religion or belief.”

Representatives from civil society organizations also presented the results of a study concerning current legislation and practice of freedom of religion or belief in Kyrgyzstan.

Dmitry Kabak, the head of the non governmental organization “Open Viewpoint”, which conducted the study, added:  “Our study shows that there is a strong need to align current legislation on freedom of religion or belief to the new Constitution and applicable international human rights standards, especially on issues such as the registration of religious organizations.”

In the course of 2011 the Centre in Bishkek supported capacity building for journalists and law enforcement bodies on freedom of religion standards as well as dialogue among religious leaders and local communities as a confidence building measure in southern Kyrgyzstan.