OSCE Programme Office in Astana supports roundtable discussion on development of religious legislation in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 23 November 2017 – The development of legislation and law enforcement practices related to religious activities was the focus of an OSCE-supported roundtable discussion held in Astana on 22 November 2017.

The event brought together some 80 participants, including representatives of different religious communities and non-governmental organizations in Kazakhstan, academia, state officials and law enforcement bodies. It was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in co-operation with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Civil Society and the Association of Religious Organizations of Kazakhstan (AROK), with support from the Regional Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Participants discussed the current religious legislation in the country and its enforcement practices. Special attention was paid to new draft legislative provisions, including those related to obtaining religious education abroad, the participation of minors in religious rites and the additional requirements for the registration of missionary activities, which were of particular concern to religious communities. Participants also exchanged views on the legal status of religious communities and small religious groups, the relationship between religious groups and the state, and the fulfilment of the state’s international obligations in the area of freedom of religion. A separate session of the roundtable discussion was dedicated to preventing religious extremism and radicalization.

“Great attention is paid today in Kazakhstan to ensuring citizens’ freedom of conscience and to creating positive conditions for the work of religious organizations,” said Berik Aryn, Vice-Minister of Religious Affairs and Civil Society. “The government is taking measures to preserve the stability in the religious sphere, strengthen good relations between the different religious communities, and protect the population from any form or expression of extremist religious ideologies. The government provides all necessary conditions for the work of officially registered religious organizations and branch offices, representing 18 religious groups.”

Ambassador György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, said: “Religious diversity sometimes makes it harder to reach agreement in society, while excessive bureaucratization and legal restrictions to freedom of religion may cause protests and even conflicts, like it happened and is still happening in some countries. I hope that this event will help state authorities and religious organizations to reach common ground in their respective positions, strengthen mutual understanding and continue their co-operation with regards to enhancing social accords and minimizing the risk of using religion as a tool for divisions and conflicts.”

The roundtable discussion is part of the OSCE Programme Office’s efforts to support the host country in implementing its OSCE commitments in promoting the right to freedom of religion or belief.