OSCE Office in Yerevan supports dialogue on freedom of conscience and religion in Armenia

YEREVAN, 30 November 2007 - The OSCE Office in Yerevan today hosted a meeting during which representatives of government, non-governmental organizations and different religious communities discussed freedom of conscience and religion in Armenia.

The discussion highlighted the problems Armenia's religious communities face and encouraged dialogue on the state of freedom of conscience and religion between the government and religious organizations. Participants also discussed the legislative and policy frameworks that regulate the activities of religious organizations in Armenia.

A newly adopted law on Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church was discussed, as was the state policy and practice in the area of freedom of conscience, religion and belief.

"This discussion will contribute to legislative and policy improvements by providing different religious organizations with the opportunity to make their views known," said Silvia Pogolsa, Human Rights Officer at the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

Hranush Kharatyan, Head of the State Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religious Affairs, said the meeting aimed to raise awareness on religious freedoms. Decision-making bodies would review concerns expressed during the meeting, she added.

This meeting was initiated by the State Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religious Affairs with OSCE support.