Overview:

• Recognition and registration are amalgamated rather than ideally differentiated; the vague degree of recognition bestowed to “traditional” religions is essentially unobtainable for any other group; the procedures put in place for registration with the government primarily resemble legal registration in recognitionist theory; although in reality this registered status provides little freedom, the retributions for unregistration include fines and the disbanding of groups.

• A vertical recognition system is in effect which designates groups according to a hierarchical national, regional and local levels which groups are not permitted to extend their activities outside of if not approved by government.

• Religious activity is limited to what the government sees as “traditional religions” yet these religions themselves haven’t true freedom in their activities.

• Practically all aspects of religious activity must be registered with the government or else the government interprets this as unregistration.

• The government’s practice of vetting religious literature prior to distribution is demonstrative of the country’s censoriality.

• The rule of mandatory registration violates the Bielefeldt provision.

Positive elements:

• Nil.

Recommendations:

• Dismantle the entire system that misuses recognition as a means to restrict religious activity.

• This dismantlement must take place before any further efforts can be made.