The Irrawaddy

December 19, 2003—The US State Department released its fifth annual religious freedom report yesterday, listing Burma as a "country of particular concern" because of the military government’s restrictions on religious freedom.

The International Religious Freedom Report for 2003 says restrictions on religious practice is a problem worldwide, but cited Burma, China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea and Vietnam as the worst offenders.

The report was submitted to the US Congress and could move Washington to place sanctions on countries that violate religious freedom. The report comprises individual chapters dedicated to evaluating religious rights in every country.

Burma’s military regime systematically banned efforts by Buddhist monks to promote human rights and political freedom, says the report. The military has also prohibited religious minorities, particularly Christians and Muslims, from building new churches or mosques in their communities, the report adds.

The junta’s Religious Affairs Ministry has said it allows religious groups to construct new buildings in most areas.

By official figures, 90 percent of Burma’s 42 million people are Buddhist, four percent are Christian and another four percent are Muslim.

The report also says discrimination against non-Buddhist is high in civilian and military services. Burma’s cabinet only has one non-Buddhist minister and zero non-Buddhists have risen above the rank of Brigadier-General in the military.

The junta discourages Muslims from entering military service, and Christian or Muslim military officers who want a promotion are encouraged by their superiors to convert to Buddhism, the report says.

Anti-Muslim violence continued in 2003, the report said, adding that the government restricted travel rights for Muslims and monitored activities of Muslim groups.

The US State Department also named Burma a country of particular concern in 1999, 2000 and 2001.