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Recognition of religion or belief in Turkmenistan

According to the standards set out in the SRR, conditions for RoRB in the Republic of Turkmenistan are classified terminal.

Recognition of religion or belief in Turkmenistan

Overview:


  • Recognition and registration

  • The government has established an elaborate, carefully orchestrated apparatus for the restriction of its citizens' religious lives, both at the public and private level.

  • The rule of mandatory registration, particularly as it is imposed on each individual instance of religious activity, violates the Bielefeldt provision.

  • The state purposes of the SCROEERIR are a mischaracterisation of the Commission; its role in reality is to ensure the perpetuation of the government's laws on religion, that these are implemented as intended; successful registration is essentially dependent upon SCROEERIR endorsement but widespread ambiguity remains as to how such an endorsement is achieved.

  • The two-pronged registration procedure along with the involvement of multiple ministries makes for a terminally restrictive process; additionally restrictive is the mandate that each individual congregation or parish of the parent religious organisation must also complete registration.

  • The criminal code that sets out provisions to protect religious identity and practice seem disingenuous considering the government's broader terminal approach to religion and belief.


Positive elements:


  • Nil.


Recommendations:


  • Complete dismantlement of the present terminally restrictive apparatus that restricts all aspects of religious live in the society.

  • Reorganise the recognition system so it extends authentic recognition to all belief systems and groups.

RoRB Topic
RoRB Compliance
RoRB Classification
Title
Country or territory
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