Overview:

• Recognition and registration are differentiated to some degree although not entirely and parts of their distinction remain unclear; a focus, however, is primarily placed on legal registration with only a few limited means of existential recognition.

• There is a distinction made between religious organisation as legal entities and a religious community as a body of persons based on their shared belief identity; although this distinction is welcomed, the context in which it resides is terminally restrictive because both categories are subject to the delineations made in their charters; the law stipulates penalties for whenever a group’s activities go beyond its charter.

• A further category of religious association is established as a means of existential recognition but with persistent issues and restrictions imposed.

• Censorship of religious activity and related materials and publications is widespread.

• Restrictions are imposed on private religious or celebratory activity.

• The constriction of religion and belief is widespread and deeply entrenched in the society.

• The prohibition on individuals younger than eighteen participating in religious activity is a violation of the UNCRC.

• The rule of mandatory registration, particularly as it is imposed on all instances of religious activity, is terminally restrictive and violates the Bielefeldt provision.

Positive elements:

• Nil.

Recommendations:

• Complete dismantlement of the present status quo of laws terminally restricting the religious lives of Tajiks.

• Repeal the mandatory registration law along with similar policies that allow for undue government involvement in the affairs of religious groups.

• Halt the state’s vilification of religious groups it does not agree with on matters of belief.

• Make a clearer distinction between recognition and registration.