UN experts have condemned Kyrgyzstan’s new laws that restrict freedom of religion or belief, urging compliance with international human rights standards. The legislation increases controls over religious practices and imposes fines for certain actions, calling into question the authorities’ commitment to fundamental freedoms. Experts recommend dialogue with affected communities and emphasize the need for protective measures for religious minorities.
On Thursday, United Nations experts expressed their grave concerns regarding recent legislation in Kyrgyzstan that limits freedom of religion or belief. They urged the government to align its laws with both domestic and international human rights standards. The experts warned that the new laws would significantly restrict critical liberties, including freedom of thought, expression, assembly, and cultural rights and emphasized that such restrictions should meet strict legal criteria, which they believe the new laws do not fulfill.
The legislation, signed earlier this year by President Sadyr Japarov, expands restrictions on religious practices, including imposing fines for wearing religious clothing in public. Furthermore, it mandates that all religious communities register with the State Commission for Religious Affairs (SCRA) every decade, raising the minimum founding membership from 200 to 500. Additionally, registered organizations must notify authorities 10 days prior to any events, facing fines for operating without permission.
The SCRA is granted extensive controls over various religious activities, including registration, educational establishments, and censorship of religious materials. Kanatbek Midin uuly, Deputy Director of the SCRA, defended the laws, asserting they were designed to protect citizens’ constitutional rights and promote stability against extremism. Despite these claims, experts stress that restrictions on rights cannot violate international norms absent legitimate justification.
The Human Rights Committee’s General Comment No. 22 holds that restrictions outside specified areas are impermissible, particularly regarding national security. Critics point out that the laws’ drafts were prepared in collaboration with security agencies, raising concerns about their alignment with Kyrgyzstan’s international obligations.
In September 2024, UN experts highlighted instances of harassment against minority religious groups in Kyrgyzstan and recommended safeguarding these groups’ rights to practice their faith and preserve their cultural identity during reviews of the nation’s adherence to international human rights agreements.
In summary, UN experts have vocally criticized Kyrgyzstan’s new legislation that imposes limitations on freedom of religion or belief, calling for compliance with international human rights standards. The authorities are urged to engage with marginalized religious communities to align these laws with global commitments. The SCRA’s expansive control raises significant concerns about the implications for citizens’ rights, highlighting the need for protective measures for minority groups.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
