The Government approved the bill to amend Article 42 of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, concerning the freedom of association. The amendments guarantee the people’s right to freely form associations, including trade unions and employers organizations, and to join these, IPN reports.

Minister of Justice Vladimir Cebotari said now the Constitution divided the freedom of association into two: freedom of association with trade unions and freedom of association with parties and other sociopolitical organizations, without specifying the general freedom of association, even if this right is guaranteed by the international treaties to which Moldova is a party.

The approved bill provides that the freedom of association can be limited only when such a measures is imposed for reasons related to national security, public safety and protection of the rights and freedoms of other persons.