"This Briefing Paper is written by Equality Myanmar. Equality Myanmar (formerly ?HREIB”) is a non-governmental organization (?NGO”) which facilitates a broad range of human rights education and advocacy programs. It was founded in 2000 with the goal of empowering the people of Myanmar through human rights education to engage in social transformation and promote a culture of human rights. Equality Myanmar envisions a peaceful, tolerant and democratic society built on respect for dignity and human rights for all. This Briefing Paper provides an overview and in-depth analysis of the current situation of freedom of religion and belief in Myanmar. After an initial review of the political landscape in the country following the parliamentary elections on 8 November 2015 and the landslide victory of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi?s National League for Democracy (the ?NLD”), it analyzes a controversial package of four repressive laws that were introduced during the second half of 2015, and contrasts them with international human rights laws on freedom of religion and belief. It goes on to examine some pertinent case studies from across the country, which demonstrate how the right to freedom of religion and belief is already being violated regardless of the new laws. After analyzing the trends, actors, motives and strategies at play, this Briefing Paper looks at the potential risks for Myanmar if it continues down its current path. It concludes by making a range of recommendations to relevant institutions and stakeholders, and by placing the situation of freedom of religion and belief in the wider context of Myanmar?s nascent political reforms..."