Kazakhstan reiterates school hijab ban
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 20 October 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kazakhstan reiterates school hijab ban, 20 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a13413.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 20, 2016
The Kazakh government says it has reiterated a ban of the hijab, or head scarf, and any other clothing that "directly or indirectly propagates religion" in schools.
The Education Ministry said on October 19 that the decision was made following consultations between different ministries.
In January, Kazakhstan adopted a law banning the hijab in schools across the country.
However, a number of parents have complained that some children continue to attend class wearing a hijab.
Kazakh authorities have been increasingly concerned about religious extremism.
In June, a group of 25 alleged Islamic militants carried out a series of attacks in the northwestern city of Aqtobe.
Five civilians and three members of Kazakhstan's security forces were killed in the violence.
The country declared itself a secular state after it gained independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Based on reporting by Tengrinews and Today.kz
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
