Ministry of Justice has drafted Law on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination.
Recently, the draft was discussed with the relevant governmental institutions and presented
to the diplomatic corps and civil society sector for recommendations.
According to the Law on elimination of discrimination and. ensuring of equality shall be
monitored and controlled by Inspector for Equality Protection — independent official
elected by the Parliament Lnspector shall, be entitled to examine applications and
complaints
or persons or institutions and make legally binding decisions, including
imposition of fines for violation of provisions of the law, to carry out appropriate activities
to raise public awareness on discrimination. The draft Law will be presented to the
Parliament in the nearest future.
On the institutional level the Council of Religions was established in 2005 by the
Memorandum concluded between the Public Defender and representative of various
religious associations. The main goals of this mechanism are facilitating a constructive
multilateral dialogue between various religious groups, engaging religious minorities into
the process of civil integration, protecting religious freedom, etc.
Recently, the inter-agency commission was established to regulate the legal relationship
between the State and various religious organizations, so we will be able to avoid
misunderstandings, such as legality of the construction of religious buildings, funding
issues etc.
In fact, recently there was a case when the construction of the Minaret in. Adigeni
Municipality was stopped simply because the customs clearance procedures for the
imported parts and building materials of the Minaret were violated. The Municipality has
been duly informed about the facts of violation, followed by the legal steps from the part of
the relevant authorities. Actions of the Government cannot be viewed as the violations of
religious rights and freedoms. It had to insure that both, relevant national legislation and
protection of the rights of religious minorities were duly observed.
Thank You