NEW ASSOCIATION BILL CUTS DOWN RESTRICTIONS

ZAGREB, Sept 22 (Hina) - The new association bill, to be passed by Sabor in its first autumn session, will cut down on restrictions of the work and forming of citizens' associations. A number of provisions of the 1997 Association Bill that limited the constitutional right to form citizens' associations was rescinded by the Constitutional Court in 2000, so instead of amending the old bill, the government decided on adopting a new one. The forming and work of citizens' associations is not only guaranteed by the Croatian Constitution, but also by the European Human Rights Charter. Under the Charter, no limits can be put upon the right to establish associations, apart from those prescribed by law, which are necessary in a democratic society in order to protect state security, law and order, and public health. Under the final draft association bill, the number of founders needed to establish a domestic or a foreign association was reduced from ten to five. In comparison, two founders are needed to establish an association in the Netherlands, and only one in the United States. The association can start its activity even before it is registered with the county authorities. Foreign associations, however, have to be registered with the Justice Ministry, but will no longer need prior consent of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Under the new bill, temporary activity prohibition could no longer be issued by the state authorities without court order, and the penalty fees have been reduced. After the new bill has been adopted, all currently registered associations will be newly registered by the county officials in the 90 days after taking over the documentation from the Justice Ministry. A number of domestic and foreign associations and experts were part of the preparation of the new bill. (hina) js