OSCE Office supports public debate on Armenia's new draft legislation on religious freedoms

YEREVAN, 19 August 2011 – A new draft law on religious freedoms was debated today at a public discussion organized with the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

The discussion about the draft Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Freedoms and amendments to related legislation, developed by the Justice Ministry, brought together 60 representatives of religious organizations and communities, the National Assembly, civil society and international organizations.

The draft law and amendments aim to bring the national legislation in line with Armenia's international commitments by defining what activities aiming to convert other people to a religion or belief are illegal and registration requirements for religious organizations as well as their rights and liabilities.

“The discussion enabled all parties concerned with this law to discuss its provisions and present their suggestions,” said Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

The Venice Commission and the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights have reviewed the previous draft amendments, and they will provide a legal assessment of newly elaborated drafts that take today's meeting into account.

“The provisions of the law are in compliance with the Armenian Constitution, the European Convention on the Protection of the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, as well as the opinions provided by the Council of Europe Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR,” said the First Deputy Justice Minister Grigor Mouradian.

The OSCE Office in Yerevan has assisted the Armenia’s legislative reform in the field of freedom of religion or belief since 2009. This year, the Office organized a training course for journalists to improve media reporting of the issues related to freedom of religion or belief.