The Internet plays an important role in allowing citizens in the four states, as well as those residing outside the country, an opportunity to share views and opinions. Academic freedom is respected. The Bill of Rights provides for freedom of peaceful assembly, and the Government respects this right in practice. During political campaigns, citizens often question candidates at public meetings and social gatherings. The Bill of Rights provides for freedom of association, and the Government respects this right in practice.
Formal associations are uncommon, but organizations for students and women exist.
The Bill of Rights forbids the establishment of a state religion and governmental restrictions on freedom of religion, and the Government respects this freedom in practice. Missionaries of many faiths work in the country without hindrance. The Constitution provides for freedom of movement within the country. It is silent on foreign travel, emigration, and repatriation, but in practice none of these is restricted. The three Vietnamese who fled a U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees camp in Indonesia and sailed to Yap state in November 1998 are still there.