More about Freedom of Association

Section 102 of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia
Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Article 22 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Article 11 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights

The freedom of association guarantees the right to form and join associations, political parties and other public organizations for the purpose of achievement of any common goal that is not prohibited by law. Article 20 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights also contains special clause to the effect that no one may be compelled to join any organization.

The freedom of association may take various forms: culture, sport, art, education, charity, ideological, interest groups and other associations of persons. Political parties, religious organizations and trade unions are treated as special forms of the freedom of association.