There were no reports that these missionary groups faced any special requirements or restrictions. There were no reports of complaints by the Muslim community of discrimination during the period covered by this report. The Government permits religious instruction in public schools. Such instruction is conducted in the dominant Christian religion. Religious instruction in Islam and other faiths is conducted in private schools owned and controlled by those faiths.
Some religious organizations operate radio stations and television networks.
In December 1996, the Government established an office for religious affairs at the level of deputy minister in the President's Office at State House. The office is responsible for dealing with issues that pertain to religion and worship, and to the promotion of state-church understanding and interfaith dialog. There was no change in the status of respect for religious freedom during the period covered by this report. There were no reports of religious detainees or prisoners. There were no reports of the forced religious conversion of minor U.S. citizens who had been abducted or illegally removed from the United States, or of the Government's refusal to allow such citizens to be returned to the United States.