The right to freedom of association is the right of any citizen to join a formal or informal group to take collective action. Associations can include civil society organisations, clubs, cooperatives, NGOs, religious associations, political parties, trade unions, foundations and online associations.

For more, see the website of the current UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.

The right to peaceful assembly is the right of citizens to gather publicly or privately to collectively express, promote, pursue and defend common interests — including peaceful assemblies, meetings, protests and demonstrations. States must protect and facilitate them.

The right to freedom of expression includes the right to access information, critically evaluate and speak out against policies and actions of state and non-state actors, without fear of retribution.

The state must actively protect people who choose to associate, assemble and express themselves. When rights are violated, there should be thorough investigations. Without accountability, impunity for those who attack civil society prevails.