February 21, Pozirk. UN experts have expressed serious concern over recent amendments to Belarus’ legislation on freedom of conscience and religious organizations, saying it contradicts the country’s international commitments.
The experts said in a statement that when the amendments were being considered by the Belarusian parliament, they expressed concern about a number of provisions in an official letter to the authorities. The letter remains unanswered.
“The provisions on compulsory registration unduly restrict the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief,” the UN experts said, noting that this contradicts Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
According to the group, Belarus is introducing extensive state control over religious education and literature. The law stipulates that religious training, books and other content must not contradict “the generally recognized traditional values of the Belarusian people and the ideology of the Belarusian State.”
“We are concerned that the vague terms contained in the law are likely to encourage arbitrary decision-making and create a climate of intimidation for religious leaders, communities or activities deemed to be unwelcome by governing authorities,” the experts said.
They added that the law “appears to be aimed at further strengthening the overarching control of the State over all aspects of the existence of religious communities, which could have serious implications for the enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and other human rights in the country.”
Earlier, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom said freedom of religion in Belarus is shrinking.
