The union "Bir Duyno Kyrgyzstan" expressed concern about the possible violation of citizens' constitutional rights in connection with the draft law regarding the regulation of religious education abroad.
According to the organization's information, on February 23, 2026, a draft law was presented in the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic, which proposes amendments to several legislative acts related to religion. Among the documents affected are the Code on Children, the Code on Offenses, as well as the laws "On External Migration," "On Education," and "On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations."
The proposed draft law includes a complete ban on the departure of citizens of Kyrgyzstan under the age of 18 abroad for the purpose of obtaining religious education. It also stipulates responsibility for parents and other individuals who facilitate such departures.
In particular, a new part 9 to Article 142 of the Code on Offenses is planned to be added. According to this proposal, the departure of a minor for religious education abroad or assistance in this may result in a fine of 20,000 soms for individuals and 65,000 soms for legal entities.
The authors of the draft law claim that the initiative was developed in accordance with the president's instructions and is aimed at protecting children's rights and ensuring national security. They point to cases of minors being sent to foreign religious educational institutions with destructive teaching methods, as well as the risks of involving teenagers in radical and extremist groups.
However, the organization "Bir Duyno Kyrgyzstan" believes that such provisions may contradict the Constitution and restrict citizens' freedoms.
The organization notes that the draft law lacks clear criteria for determining foreign religious educational institutions with a "destructive nature of teaching." According to human rights defenders, the absence of such criteria may lead to all foreign religious educational institutions being deemed undesirable.
Furthermore, the union emphasizes that the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to practice any religion or not to practice any, as well as the freedom of choice and the presence of religious beliefs. The realization of these rights, according to the authors of the appeal, implies the possibility of studying religious teachings and access to relevant information.
The organization also points out that the restrictions may affect citizens' right to education and freedom of learning, as well as the right to freely leave the country.
In light of the above, the organization "Bir Duyno Kyrgyzstan" called on the initiators of the draft law to withdraw it in order to prevent possible violations of citizens' constitutional rights. An analytical note is attached to the statement.
