FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND BELIEF IN UZBEKISTAN IN LIGHT OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW

Abstract

this article examines the current state of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in Uzbekistan against core international standards—primarily Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and related authoritative interpretations. It traces legal and policy changes since adoption of Uzbekistan’s 2021 Law “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations,” the 2023 constitutional revisions affirming secularism, and ongoing legislative discussions in 2024–2025. While reforms have reduced some barriers (e.g., easing organizational registration thresholds and lifting certain attire restrictions), key constraints remain, including the continued ban on unregistered religious activity, tight controls over religious education and materials, and criminal/administrative penalties that disproportionately affect Muslims and minority communities. The analysis concludes that Uzbekistan has made incremental progress but still diverges from international standards that protect the forum internum absolutely and limit restrictions on manifestation to narrow, necessary, and proportionate aims. Policy recommendations are offered to align domestic law and practice with ICCPR Article 18 and OSCE commitments.