Freedom of religion is one of the fundamental human rights enshrined in international instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. However, the situation in this area across Central Asian countries continues to raise serious concern. According to the latest report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), a number of countries in the region demonstrate systematic and severe violations of the rights of believers. In particular, this concerns Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. The Commission has recommended that the U.S. Congress impose sanctions on officials responsible for violations of religious freedom, including asset freezes and travel bans. With regard to Kazakhstan, it is recommended to continue diplomatic engagement and seek the release of individuals imprisoned for religious activities. The report emphasizes that in the countries of the region, freedom of religion is either deteriorating or remains consistently unfavorable. The situation in Turkmenistan and Tajikistan is of particular concern. Under the pretext of combating extremism, strict control over religious life is being enforced in these countries. Independent religious groups face persecution, especially Muslims who practice interpretations of Islam that do not align with state-approved doctrines. Dozens of believers have been detained on fabricated criminal charges and sentenced to long prison terms. There are also reports of deaths in custody under unclear circumstances. The Commission further recommends that Turkmenistan and Tajikistan be redesignated as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. Special attention is given to individual cases. In 2025, numerous arrests were recorded under charges related to extremism, despite the fact that these cases involved peaceful religious activity. Some detainees died in custody. For example, in October 2025, Said Azam Rakhmonov died while in detention. The Dayanç Human Rights Platform emphasizes that such practices constitute a gross violation of international obligations and undermine the foundations of the rule of law. We join international calls and support the imposition of targeted sanctions against officials responsible for systematic violations of freedom of religion. Impunity only fuels repression, while targeted sanctions are a necessary tool for accountability and the protection of human rights. We state: the fight against extremism must not be used as a pretext to suppress freedom of religion; criminal prosecution for peaceful religious activity is unacceptable; deaths in custody must be subject to independent international investigation; the international community must increase pressure on governments in the region. We call for: the immediate release of all individuals imprisoned for peaceful religious activity; ensuring transparency of judicial processes; granting access to international human rights monitoring missions; ending the practice of fabricating criminal cases against believers. Freedom of religion is not a privilege, but an inalienable right of every individual. Its systematic violation in Central Asia requires an urgent response from the international community. Dayanç Human Rights Platform (Turkmenistan)
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