UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief paying first visit to Kazakhstan

"I would like to understand better how Kazakhstan manages religious diversity based on equal respect for everyone's religious or non-religious convictions, and implements its international human rights obligations," Mr. Bielefeldt said launching the first visit to the country by an independent expert charged by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor freedom of religion or belief worldwide.

"I will look into the registration requirements for religious communities, issues of religious education within and outside of schools, consequences of security legislation on the full enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief for everyone, including members of religious minorities," the Special Rapporteur explained. During his twelve-day visit from March 25 to April 5, the human rights expert will meet with a wide range of relevant Government officials and agencies, as well as representatives of religious or belief communities and civil society organizations in Astana, Almaty and Karaganda. Following his visit, the Special Rapporteur will present a report containing his conclusions and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2015, the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights official website reads.