Burma

Religious Freedom World Report

Prepared by the International Coalition for Religious Freedom

Burma

Burma is ruled by a military junta that refused to give up power even after opposition parties won an election in 1990. the 1974 constitution was revoked in 1998. A new constitution is being drafted.

The government places severe restrictions on religious freedom. Religious groups which are legally registered with the government are free to worship, but the activities of members of all religions are monitored and religious publications are subject to control and censorship. In the past, members of religious groups have been politically active. The Christian and Muslim minorities are regarded with suspicion. The State Department report says that there is a concentration of Christians among certain ethnic minorities who have been fighting against the government for a long time. One such group is the Karen who live along the Thai-Burmese border. In 1997, there were reports of thousands of Burmese soldiers sweeping through Karen areas on both sides of the border raping women and forcing men to act as porters for the army. A Buddhist Karen group, which is supported by the government, has made cross-border raids into Thailand, attacking refugee camps and kidnapping Christian Karen National Union leaders and members. Several Thai soldiers and policemen have been killed. In January 1997, two refugee camps were burned.

Buddhists enjoy a special position in the country and that the government has been making an effort to link itself with Buddhism to establish its popular legitimacy.

Christian Bibles translated into indigenous languages may not be imported or printed, and it is difficult for Christian or Muslim groups to obtain permission to build new places of worship. There have also been instances of the government removing cemeteries for infrastructure projects. Minority religious groups do have contact with coreligionists in other countries but such contacts are monitored by the government. Permanent foreign religious missions have not been permitted since the 1960’s. Foreign missionaries have been allowed visas only for short stays. In a few cases they have been allowed to preach to congregations. There are seven Catholic nuns and four priests who have been working in the country since before 1948 who have been allowed to continue their work.

In 1999, the UN Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance reported that both Muslim and Christian minorities are victims of religious intolerance and discrimination.