The commission emphasizes that in recent years there has been an increase in cases of minors traveling abroad for education in institutions whose views contradict the traditional norms accepted in the country. Legislation requires that such citizens be accounted for in the State Committee for Religious Affairs and that information about the receiving educational institution in the host country be provided; however, in practice, these requirements are often ignored.
There is a troubling trend: many parents, unaware of the possible consequences, send their children abroad to study in religious institutions with destructive programs.“An insufficiently formed worldview creates a risky situation in the sphere of religious education for children, who become susceptible to the influence of experienced religious mentors. Children, being impressionable, cannot resist this influence. The formation of religious beliefs should not negatively affect their development and freedom of conscience. The upbringing and education of children in moral and ethical norms should be the responsibility of parents and general educational institutions,” the state commission states.
Parents or guardians who send children abroad for religious education will be held accountable under the Code of Offenses.
The photo on the main page is illustrative: bbc.com.
