(official version) Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on Public Associations Chapter 1. General Provisions Article 1. Relationships, regulated by this Law This Law regulates social relations in regard to the exercise by citizens of their right to unite in public associations, set up, implement activities, reorganize and liquidate public associations. Article 2. Applicability of this Law This Law applies to all public associations set up in compliance with the established procedure, except for certain public associations (i.e. religious organizations, political parties, trade unions and other public associations) which may be established and function under special laws. Article 3. Legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan on public associations The legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan on public associations is based on the Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan and consists of the present Law, other legal acts and regulations of the Republic of Tajikistan and international instruments recognized by Tajikistan. Article 4. The right of the citizens to form associations 1. The right of citizens to form associations shall include the right to establish voluntary public associations for the purpose of protection of their common interests and attainment of common goals, to join existing public associations or refrain from joining them, and to withdraw from such organizations without any hindrance. 2. Citizens are entitled to forming public associations independently, without any prior permission from any government agency, and joining such public associations on the basis of compliance with their rules and charters. Статья 5. Definition of a public association A public association shall be deemed a voluntary, self-governed, not-for-profit association of individuals established on the basis of their common interests to pursue