OSCE/ODIHR experts present review of draft Kazakh freedom of religion law, agree on next steps

ASTANA, 25 November 2008 - Experts of the Advisory Panel on Freedom of Religion or Belief of the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) completed a two-day visit to Kazakhstan today.

The experts presented ODIHR's legal review of the draft law on freedom of religion or belief to the Justice Ministry's Committee on Religious Affairs, discussed a number of recent changes to the draft made on the basis of earlier ODIHR comments, and reached agreement on next steps.

"We sincerely hope that our recommendations will be taken into account in the further efforts that are needed to ensure that the law be in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards," said Ambassador Janez Lenarcic, ODIHR's Director.

The expert group and the Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs agreed that the Advisory Panel will prepare a review of the current draft, taking into account the recent amendments. It was also agreed to make the review public.