Issues of religious extremism prevention discussed at the Ministry of Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan

On February 12, 2019, a seminar-meeting on the topic “On the Prevention of Violation of Legislation in the Sphere of Organizing Work on the Prevention of Religious Extremism” was held at the Committee of Public Accord of the Ministry of Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

This seminar was held in order to increase the level of anti-corruption culture in society and to prevent violations of the law in the field of organization of work on the prevention of religious extremism, which was attended by government officials of the Public Accord Committee of the Ministry of Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, employees of subordinate organizations, regional departments of religious affairs and centers for religious issues, representatives of religious organizations. The seminar was also attended by members of non-governmental organizations working in this area, namely “Counter-Terrorism Committee”, “Congress of Religious Studies”, “Organization of Veterans”, Public Foundation “Arlan Youth Patriotic Center”, “Ulagat”, and others.

In his welcoming address, Vice Minister of Social Development Aryn B.S. noted the need for strict observance of the adopted anti-corruption laws aimed at minimizing violations of the law: “Corruption manifestations impede progressive and continuous development of society. Therefore, the state and all institutions of civil society need to join efforts in countering this negative phenomenon, namely in creating an atmosphere of zero intolerance for corruption, identifying and eliminating the conditions and causes that contribute to the commitment of offenses not only in individual groups, but also in society as a whole.”

The speakers of the seminar were representatives of the Agency for Civil Service and Combating Corruption, the Prosecutor General’s Office, Religious Affairs Directorates of the Karaganda and Pavlodar Region, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, the Orthodox and Catholic Churches of Kazakhstan.

Representatives of governmental bodies informed about ongoing measures to prevent violations of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and about the positive results of this work.

In order to prevent violations in the sphere of organizing work on the prevention of religious extremism, participants were explained the mechanisms introduced in practice, such as monitoring, analysis of corruption risks, standards, financial control measures, etc.

In turn, religious leaders noted that in every world and traditional religion there are instructions for believers that regulate a person’s life, indicating its ethical standards. They may sound different, but they contain a common meaning - rejection of corruption.

In general, an open dialogue and a productive exchange of views on the prevention and suppression of violations of the law in the field of organization of work on the prevention of religious extremism took place during the seminar.