OSCE Centre holds seminars to promote religious tolerance, awareness in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 27 August 2009 - A seminar organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and the State Agency on Religious Affairs to promote religious tolerance at the community level and educate participants about Kyrgyzstan's new law on freedom of religion and religious organizations was held in Bishkek today.

The event brought together participants from Bishkek city and Chui Province, including village council officials, police officers and local community leaders. Topics included international standards and obligations of OSCE participating States in ensuring freedom of religion, an overview of the major religions in the country, the new law on "Freedom of Religion and Religious Organizations" and peaceful methods of conflict resolution. Similar events were held in five other Kyrgyz provinces, and a final seminar will be held in the Issyk-Kul region in September. A concluding forum will be held in Bishkek in October.

"These training seminars will help build stronger understanding and trust at the local community level, founded on the core principles of tolerance, co-operation and rule of law. They also support the efforts of the OSCE, state authorities and civil society to build a meaningful, nationwide partnership to counter the threats of terrorism, extremism and radicalization," said Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

"One of the most important tasks facing society today is formulating a tolerant position toward religion. A tolerant society allows citizens to freely and peacefully exercise their rights," said Kanybek Osmonaliev, the Director of the State Agency on Religious Affairs.

The series of seminars is part of a project funded by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek on "Improving institutional capacity in addressing religious issues and increasing religious tolerance among local communities".