TUVALU

The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the Government respects this right in practice.

There was no change in the status of respect for religious freedom during the period covered by this report.

Both government policy and the generally amicable relationship among religious communities in society contribute to the free practice of religion.

The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom issues with the Government in the context of its overall dialog and policy of promoting human rights.

Section I. Government Policies on Freedom of Religion

Legal/Policy Framework

The Constitution provides for separation of church and state and imposes no restrictions on freedom of religion, and the Government respects these provisions in practice.

Religious Demography

Both Protestants (Methodists and Anglicans) and Catholics are represented in the country, as well as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Specific figures on church membership are not available. There are a number of active Christian missionary organizations representing the same religious faiths practiced in the country. Missionaries practice without special restrictions.

The Government has not taken any specific actions to improve interreligious relations.

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. Forced Religious Conversion of Minor U.S. Citizens

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.

Section II. Societal Attitudes

Interfaith relations are amicable. There are no ecumenical movements.

Section III. U.S. Government Policy

Representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Fiji visit periodically to discuss religious freedom issues with the Government in the overall context of the promotion of human rights. They also meet with representatives of the religious communities and nongovernmental organizations that have an interest in religious freedom.

The U.S. Embassy actively supports efforts to improve and expand governmental and societal awareness of and protection for human rights, including the right to freedom of religion.

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