UN Experts Concerned Over Religious Freedom Restrictions in Kyrgyzstan
A group of UN human rights experts has expressed deep concern over the recent implementation of new laws in Kyrgyzstan that restrict freedom of religion or belief. Despite previous warnings from both national and international experts, the Kyrgyz Government went ahead and signed legislation that severely curtails these fundamental freedoms.
The experts highlighted that these new laws, which were signed by the President on January 21, 2025, not only criminalize but also marginalize religious and belief minorities in the country. They warned that these restrictive laws will significantly limit Kyrgyzstan’s space for freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as well as other fundamental freedoms such as expression, assembly, and association.
The legislation introduced includes laws on “Freedom of Religion and Religious Associations” and “Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Religious Sphere”, with amendments made to the Code of Offences as well. These new laws impose various restrictions, including fines for wearing certain religious attire in public places, mandatory registration of religious collectives, restrictions on religious activities and teachings, and a ban on the distribution of religious materials outside of religious institutions.
The UN experts emphasized that international human rights standards only allow for limitations on these rights in very specific circumstances, which the new laws in Kyrgyzstan do not appear to meet. They urged the Kyrgyz authorities to engage in open and meaningful dialogue with minority religion and belief groups to bring the legislation in line with international standards.
It is crucial for the Kyrgyz Government to respect its obligations under international law and ensure that the implementation of laws concerning freedom of religion and belief is done in a manner consistent with human rights standards. The UN experts stand ready to support the Kyrgyz Government in this process.
As a reminder, a new law on freedom of religion and religious associations came into force in Kyrgyzstan on February 1, along with changes to several legislative acts regulating the religious sphere.
