A few thousand students and dissidents remain in exile in Thailand. The government restricts worker rights and uses forced labor on a widespread basis. The use of forced labor on some major infrastructure projects appeared to be lessening following the issuance of directives in 1995 to end the practice of forced civilian labor. The military authorities nonetheless continue to force ordinary citizens to contribute their labor, often under harsh working conditions, on construction projects in many parts of the country. In the past few years, the military has begun using soldiers instead of civilians on certain projects.
Child labor continues to be a serious problem.
The U.S. Government has an official policy to neither encourage nor discourage trade with Burma. Since May 1997, the U.S. Government prohibits new investment by U.S. persons. A number of U.S. companies exited the Burma market even prior to the imposition of sanctions due to criticism in the United States from human rights groups, consumers and some shareholders because of the Burmese government's serious human rights abuses and lack of progress toward democracy. Tight controls over economic activities run parallel to the extremely high levels of government involvement in all activities in Burma, including a tight control on information. Brief Synopsis of the Political System Burma is governed by a highly authoritarian military regime.