Freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in Myanmar has long been shaped by decades of armed conflict, authoritarian rule, discrimination, and structural inequalities affecting ethnic and religious communities across the country. Even before the military coup in February 2021, many communities experienced restrictions on religious freedom, limited civic space, hate speech, violence, displacement, and unequal access to rights and protection.

Following the 2021 coup, the situation has further deteriorated. Escalating conflict and political instability have intensified human rights violations against civilians, including religious minorities, ethnic communities, faith leaders, journalists, and human rights defenders. Places of worship and civilian infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed, while arbitrary arrests, displacement, internet shutdowns, and restrictions on freedom of expression and association continue to impact communities nationwide.

The Myanmar Freedom of Religion or Belief Network (Myanmar FoRB Network) was founded shortly after the February 2021 coup d’état in Myanmar. As a growing network, it currently consists of more than 30 members, including organisations such as research groups, CSOs, CBOs, NGOs, and INGOs, as well as individuals, including faith leaders, human rights defenders, activists, journalists, researchers, and others working to protect and promote freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) both prior to and since the coup.

For more details about the network, click here.