UN experts criticize Kyrgyzstan’s new laws restricting religious freedom, urging compliance with human rights standards. The legislation raises registration requirements and imposes fines, increasing state control over religious activities. Concerns about minority rights and international obligations are highlighted, with calls for dialogue between authorities and religious communities.
UN experts have condemned Kyrgyzstan for enacting new legislation that restricts freedom of religion and belief. They urge the government to align all laws with both domestic and international human rights standards, noting that the new restrictions may severely limit freedoms of thought, expression, assembly, and cultural rights. Experts stress that while international law permits certain restrictions, the newly adopted laws fall short of these justifications.
The legislation, signed by President Sadyr Japarov, expands limitations on freedom of religion and expression, including fines for wearing specific religious attire publicly. It mandates all religious communities to register with the State Commission for Religious Affairs (SCRA) every ten years, raising the minimum member requirement for registration from 200 to 500. Additionally, registered organizations must inform local authorities prior to hosting events, and fines for unpermitted religious practices are imposed on individuals and organizations.
The SCRA has gained expanded powers under these laws, allowing it to oversee registration applications, regulate religious education, and censor religious materials. According to Kanatbek Midin uuly, the SCRA’s Deputy Director, the laws aim to stabilize the country’s religious situation and safeguard state security. However, UN experts argue that these restrictions contravene international human rights obligations, particularly regarding freedoms guaranteed under the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICCPR).
The draft legislation was developed through collaboration among the SCRA, the National Security Committee, and the Interior Ministry. UN special rapporteurs previously expressed concerns that the laws could compromise Kyrgyzstan’s international human rights commitments. They highlighted instances of harassment faced by religious minorities and urged the government to protect their rights during the upcoming human rights reviews.
UN experts have denounced Kyrgyzstan’s new laws as detrimental to religious freedom and human rights, urging compliance with international standards. The legislation introduces significant restrictions on religious practices and the expression of beliefs, raising concerns about state control over religious freedom. There are calls for dialogue with minority groups to ensure their rights and identity are preserved, emphasizing the necessity of aligning national laws with international commitments.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
