OSCE/ODIHR experts to visit Kazakhstan to discuss draft law on freedom of religion

WARSAW, 21 November 2008 - A group of international experts will visit Kazakhstan on 24 and 25 November to discuss the country's draft law on freedom of religion.

The experts are members of the Advisory Panel on Freedom of Religion or Belief of the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

"We hope that the visit of our experts will contribute to ensuring that Kazakhstan's new freedom of religion law will be fully in line with international standards and that the process leading to the adoption of the law is transparent and inclusive," said Ambassador Janez Lenarcic, ODIHR's Director.

The experts will discuss the recommendations of a legal review prepared by the ODIHR expert panel at the request of the Kazakh Government.

The review assesses the draft law on the basis of OSCE commitments and other international standards on freedom of religion or belief. It was shared with Kazakhstan's Committee on Religious Affairs in June. At the Committee's request, further clarifications were provided in September.

"The ODIHR would welcome the publication of the legal review, in line with the Guidelines for Review of Legislation Pertaining to Religion or Belief," said Lenarcic.

During the visit, the experts will meet representatives of the Senate and the Committee for Religious Affairs in Astana. Meetings have also been requested with the Majlis and the Presidential Administration.