The constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom and, in practice, the government generally respected religious freedom. The trend in the government’s respect for religious freedom did not change significantly during the year, although there was an ongoing issue with a local official who closed a church in 2011 without a clear legal basis.
There were reports of societal abuses and discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.
The embassy discussed religious freedom with the government and regularly expressed support to government leaders for consolidation of constitutional democracy, including respect for basic human rights such as religious freedom. Embassy representatives urged a local administrator to consider reopening a closed church.