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attitude sometimes are harassed or fired by their employers with the tacit support of the Government. While a few individual unions have shown some bargaining power, strikes are not permitted, and collective bargaining efforts have been frustrated repeatedly by private firms despite legal guarantees. Paraguay's labor unions do not maintain formal ties with any international bodies, but Paraguay does participate in some of the activities of the International Labor Organization. Professional associations that are legally recognized by the Government are allowed to conduct normal activities. However, groups which are perceived to be independent of Colorado Party control have difficulty in securing recognition.
C. Freedom of Religion
The Paraguayan Constitution establishes Roman Catholicism as the official religion, but it also guarantees freedom of conscience for other denominations. Adherence to a particular creed confers neither advantage nor disadvantage within Paraguayan society, and conversion from one faith to another is permissible. Many denominations conduct their activities freely. However, legislation prohibits the granting of legal status to new religious groups and a few evangelical churches have difficulty in obtaining formal Government approval for their operations. The Jehovah's Witnesses, who lost their legal registration in 1979, continued to appeal that decision in the courts.
d. Freedom of Movement within the Country, Foreign
Travel, Emigration, and Repatriation
Most
The Paraguayan Constitution provides for freedom of movement, and this usually is honored within Paraguay. There are no restrictions on residence in either urban or rural areas. citizens may enter and leave the country freely; however, officials frequently refuse to issue passports to political dissidents, former political prisoners, and persons who criticize the Government. Many political opponents of the Government, particularly the members of the dissident faction of the ruling Colorado Party, have been forced into exile over the years.
Three Paraguayans, including a Vice President of the Authentic Liberal Radical Party, were expelled from the country in 1982. A group of seven exiles attempted to return to Paraguay in September 1982, but they were stopped at the airport and compelled to return to Argentina. Although some exiles have been permitted to return, they have done so only after undertaking not to participate in the political life of the country. Paraguay has followed a policy of welcoming immigrants, especially those with agricultural skills and ́providing asylum to foreign refugees, Many Brazílians,
Japanese, Koreans, and Europeans have settled in Paraguay, as have a large number of various religious denominations.
The Paraguayan Government's treatment of its unassimilated Indian population has improved. A new law has been adopted which proffers legal recognition to Indian communities and guarantees their right to own tribal lands. In January 1982, the Toba-Maskoy tribe was resettled on a viable site within their traditional domain after a year's displacement in an area which was not suited to their needs. Other Indian groups and associations which concern themselves with Indian welfare and development are considering steps to take advantage of the provisions of Paraguay's new Indian communities law.
e. Freedom to Participate in the Political Process
The President dominates the Paraguayan political system, governing through the Colorado Party, which administers public patronage, and through the military and police forces, which assure public security. Only members in good standing of the Colorado Party can participate fully in the political process. Even within the Colorado Party, policy initiatives and
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