Right to association to be provided for in Moldova's Constitution

Chisinau, 28 December /MOLDPRES/ - The cabinet of ministers today approved a draft law on the amendment of the Article 42 of Moldova’s Constitution, which provides for the right to association. Amendments guarantee citizens’ right to freely association with other persons, including to set up trade unions or employers’ associations, as well as to affiliate with them, the government’s communication and media relations department has reported.     

Presently, Moldova’s Constitution divides the freedom of association into two components: the freedom of foundation and affiliation with trade unions and the freedom of parties and other social and political organizations, without clearly envisaging the general freedom of association, although this right is guaranteed by international treaties Moldova is party to.   

Also, the draft approved sees that the exercising of the right to free association can be limited only in cases when this measure is imposed for reasons of national security, public safety, protection of rights and freedoms of other persons.  

The document is to be approved by the Constitutional Court and submitted to parliament for consideration.  

(Editor A. Raileanu)