Many prisoners have died in detention. Labor unions are not allowed. In October 2000, after repeatedly failing to receive convincing assurances that the junta is acting to end forced labor, the ILO took the unprecedented action of urging all ILO members, including governments, labor unions and employers, to review their ties to the regime. Forced labor has also been used on tourism development projects. In March 1997, the European Union withdrew Burma's trade privileges because of the prevalence of forced labor and other abuses.
Religious repression is another long-time feature of military rule.
Burma is a predominantly Buddhist country, and the military regime demands that Buddhist clergy support its rule. Troops have invaded monasteries to remove Buddhist leaders who supported human rights and the democracy movement. Burma also has sizable Muslim and Christian communities. Muslims in southwestern Burma are continuing targets for army attacks. Over a quarter million fled to Bangladesh during a major army offensive in 1989, and approximately 25,000 more escaped in 1997.