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OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
MAY 12, 2021
Executive Summary
The constitution provides for freedom of religion or belief and separation of government and religion. Throughout the year, the government consulted with international legal scholars regarding draft updates to the law on religion, and on August 6, it officially requested a joint opinion from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission. On October 12, the OSCE end Venice Commission issued their joint opinion, stating that while the draft provided some improved protections, it also allowed the government to maintain strict and excessive control over religion and religious freedom. It also stated, “The Draft Law should be substantially revised in order to ensure its full compliance with international human rights standards and OSCE human dimension commitments.” At year’s end, the draft remained under discussion in parliament. The government
by Eldor TULYAKOV
Executive Director of the Development Strategy Center
Uzbekistan’s reform agenda’s sudden trajectory focusing on political and socio-economic development brought a welcome surprise to much of the world community in 2016. Newly elected President Shavkat Mirziyoyev quickly initiated policies based upon the principles of pragmatism and transparency a shift well received by foreign governments, international
organizations, and citizens alike and viewed as a watershed change in a country largely closed to the outsideworld since independence in 1991.
A new vision of what will define Uzbekistan for future generations emerged, new horizons that will bring long-sought-after potential and opportunities to its people.1