DUSHANBE, January 22, 2011, Asia-Plus — On Friday January 21, the board (Shuroi Siyosi) of the Islamic Revival Party (IRP) released a statement regarding the bill on holding parents responsible for their children’s action and education.
The IRP considers that the bill contradicts many provisions of Tajikistan’s Constitution and international norms as well as restricts rights and freedom of citizens.
According to the statement, the draft law also contradicts Islamic canons and does not comply with universal principles and values.
The fact that the law prohibits citizens under 18 from attending religious facilities evokes a special concern, the party notes.
The statement, in particular, says mosques and official religious organizations must be considered as strategic partners of the educational system in fostering the feeling of patriotism among the young generation but not as its ideological opponent.
The IRP leader Muhiddin Kabiri noted, “Probably, separate government bodies in charge for the upbringing of children try to put the entire responsibility on the shoulders of parents.”
Moreover, norms of this draft law have moral orientation that it is not typical for legal documents, the statement notes.
The IRP board considers that adoption of such a law is a good idea, but the government must create conditions that would make it financially practicable both for relevant bodies and parents, the statement said.
We will recall that the government considered the bill on parental responsibilities in the upbringing of their children at a December 14 meeting. Addressing the meeting, President Rahmon offered to submit the bill for a nationwide discussion. Suggestions and recommendations on the draft law will be submitted for consideration to President’s Executive Office, Ministry of Education and other relevant organizations.
The bill was worked out at the initiative of the president. After detailed discussion at an October 29 government session the bill was returned as requiring improvement. It was noted that the bill must more specifically determine legal norms, duties and responsibility of parents and other authorized persons, as well as mechanism of implementation of the law.
