AKIPRESS.COM - Members of the Turkmen parliament, Mejlis, law-enforcement officials and representatives of research institutions attended an OSCE-organized seminar on international standards on freedom of religion and belief that concluded May 28.

The three-day event was designed to enhance their expertise on how to implement international standards on religious freedom.

The seminar combined theoretical presentations with interactive exercises and presented best practices in promoting religious freedom from other OSCE participating States. Two international experts from the United Kingdom provided a comprehensive overview of world religions, social context of religion as well as religious education and rights.

“All OSCE participating States are committed to adopting legislation that would ensure the citizens’ right to profess their religion while also designing policies to promote religious tolerance and inter-faith dialogue, which acquires special importance in diverse societies,” said Vardon Deniz Hoca, Human Dimension Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

He expressed hope that the event will contribute to supporting the government of Turkmenistan in implementing its commitments related to the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief.