ANALYSIS OF THE STATE POLICY ON ENSURING FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE AND RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS IN THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal, political, and educational foundations of the state policy on ensuring freedom of conscience and regulating religious affairs in the Republic of Uzbekistan. It examines the ongoing reforms based on the “Concept of State Policy on Ensuring Freedom of Conscience and Religious Affairs”, adopted on February 25, 2025. The article explores the relationship between the state and religion, the legal status of religious organizations, the development of the religious education system, and the measures taken to promote tolerance and interfaith harmony, all within the framework of scientific analysis. Furthermore, it analyzes the conditions created by the state for religious communities, the current state of interethnic and interreligious tolerance, the system of training religious personnel, and the cooperation with international organizations. This scholarly assessment demonstrates that Uzbekistan is shaping a national model for ensuring freedom of conscience, which is not only based on legal documents but also represents a crucial component of the country’s moral and educational policy. The article is aimed at revealing the scientific foundations of the balanced relationship between religion, the state, and society, and serves as a valuable resource for legal scholars, political scientists, Islamic studies experts, and researchers in the field of religious education and policy.