Freedom of Association

Category: Policy Areas | Back to Glossary

Freedom of associationFreedom of association — the right to join a formal or informal group to take collective action — is a universal right and can be used as a mechanism for public accountability. Technical specifica... More — the right to join a formal or informal group to take collective action — is a universal right and can be used as a mechanism for public accountabilityAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, public accountability occurs when ”rules, regulations, and mechanisms in place call upon government actors to justify their actions, act upon criticisms ... More.

Technical specifications: Protection of the individual right to join others for a legal common cause without interference.

See also: Freedom of ExpressionJournalists and activists are critical intermediaries connecting public officials with citizens and serving as government watchdogs, and their rights and safety need to be protected. Technical specifi... More, Freedom of AssemblyPeaceful assembly — a fundamental human right — is essential to healthy and effective democratic institutions. Technical specifications: Protection of the individual right to peacefully assemble, ... More, Online Civic SpaceAs online spaces for participation become increasingly popular, governments must work to ensure protection of basic rights — including the freedoms of expression, assembly, and association — in th... More