Law No. 258 “On public associations”.

This Law regulates public relations regarding the exercise of the right of citizens to unite in public associations, the establishment, operation, reorganization and liquidation of public associations. The scope of this Law covers all public associations established in accordance with the established procedure, with the exception of public associations (religious organizations, political parties, trade unions and other public associations), the procedure for their establishment and activities is regulated by separate laws. The right of citizens to association includes the right to establish public associations on a voluntary basis for the purpose of protecting common interests and achieving common goals, to join existing public associations or to refrain from joining them, as well as to leave these associations without hindrance. Citizens have the right to independently establish public associations without prior permission from state bodies, as well as to join such public associations, provided that they comply with their statutory norms. A public association is a voluntary, self-governing, non-profit association of citizens who have united on the basis of common interests to achieve the goals specified in the charter of the public association. Public associations may be established in the following organizational and legal forms: (a) public organization; (b) social movement; and (c) public self-government bodies. Public associations have the right to establish unions (associations, councils) of public associations. Citizens, public associations, legal entities, and state bodies have the right to join such unions (associations, councils). Only adult citizens permanently residing in the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan may become leaders of public associations, as well as members of their supervisory and inspection bodies. In order to obtain the rights of a legal entity, a public association must be registered with the state.