Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Senate of the Oliy Majlis has approved the law "On the Adoption of the Concept for Ensuring Citizens’ Freedom of Conscience and State Policy in the Field of Religion in the Republic of Uzbekistan," the Senate’s press service reported.

The document outlines the key principles and priorities of state policy in religious affairs, ensuring citizens’ right to freedom of conscience while reaffirming the secular nature of the state. To enhance parliamentary oversight over the implementation of these objectives, the establishment of a parliamentary commission is planned.

Uzbekistan continues its large-scale reforms aimed at strengthening religious and national values. The country is restoring historical monuments and pilgrimage sites, supporting the development of mosques and madrasas, and facilitating national and religious rituals.

Notably, the quota for Hajj pilgrimages has been tripled for Uzbek citizens, while quotas for Umrah have been entirely abolished. To showcase the religious and educational heritage of the ancestors, institutions such as the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, the Center for Islamic Civilization, and international research centers named after Imam Bukhari, Imam Maturidi, and Imam Tirmidhi have been established.

The adopted Concept seeks to develop a model of relations between the state and religious denominations based on the principles of tolerance and interfaith harmony, while also fostering an atmosphere of friendship and social cohesion within society.