Aleksandr Lukashenko approves new status for commissioner for religious and ethnic affairs

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has signed the law “On amendments to the laws on the activities of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus” on 22 July.

Under the law, overall supervision of the office of the commissioner for religious and ethnic affairs will be transferred to the Belarus President Administration. The commissioner will be appointed by the President and will report directly to him.

The change in status will give the commissioner’s office broader opportunities for prompt interaction with other state bodies and more effective resolution of relevant issues. In this regard, the Belarus President Administration will ensure proper coordination, including in the implementation of major interfaith projects and the advancement of legislative initiatives.

Relations with foreign religious centers representing the world’s major faiths often involve a wide range of issues, including those related to foreign policy and security. The commissioner’s direct subordination to the head of state is expected to simplify and improve cooperation in these areas.

Overall, the provisions of the law are intended to further preserve and strengthen interfaith and interethnic peace and harmony in Belarus.

In furtherance of the law, the President also signed a decree approving the regulations on the commissioner for religious and ethnic affairs, which define the commissioner’s principal tasks, functions and powers.