The constitution provides for the free exercise of all religions. The law establishes the conditions for official recognition of religious groups. By law, any religious group wanting official recognition must receive government approval, a multiple-step process requiring documentary support. Due to budgetary constraints, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religious Denominations (MFA) did not have discretionary funding available to support religious activities during the year, such as youth conferences. The MFA continued to accord preferential treatment to the Catholic Church under terms of a concordat with the Holy See, including tax exemptions and diplomatic privileges. During the year, the National Council for Haitian Muslims, composed of Sunni and Shia groups, continued to seek official government recognition.