92 The Independent Commission for Human Rights - ICHR international conventions and standards, which safeguard the right to freedom of association.84 On 11 May 2021, the Law by Decree No. 18 of 2021 on the Suspension of the Law by Decree No. 7 of 2021 Amending the Law on Charitable Associations and Civil Society Organisations No. 1 of 2000 was passed. Providing for suspending enforcement of the amending law by decree, the new enactment requested that the government continue consultations with relevant stakeholders in order to come up with the best legal formulation. In its statement, the ICHR pinpointed the positive development in the government’s favourable response to demands of the ICHR, CSOs, civil coalitions, and community institutions in regard of the said law by decree. The ICHR emphasised the need to fully abolish, rather than suspend enforcement of, the law by decree. The enactment involves substantial violations of guarantees and standards of the right to freedom of association. 2.1.6.2 Data on charitable associations and civil society organisations The MoI is the competent authority of supervising charitable associations and civil society organisations. According to MoI data, a total 3,297 associations were active in the West Bank towards the end of 2021. Of 88 applications, 82 associations were registered. While no application was turned down, six applications were being registered. Data indicate that the MoI cancelled the registration of 33 associations because they did not carry out any activity since they were registered. The Ministry dissolved 69 associations on account of failure to submit administrative and financial reports to relevant bodies or hold annual general assembly meetings, and expiry of the legal term of the boards of directors without holding new elections.85 According to information available from the Gaza-based MoI, there were 1,019 registered associations in the Gaza Strip towards the end of 2021. Thirty (30) out of 39 registration applications were admitted. Seven applications were in the process of registration. Two applications were rejected due to incomplete or unfollowed registration requirements. In Gaza, the MoI data show that eight associations were dissolved during the reporting period. Of these, five were dissolved at the request of respective general assemblies. While one was converted into a trade union, two associations were dissolved for failing to regularise their legal status. A total of 22 complaints were filed to the MoI. With 11 resolved, the other 11 complaints were referred to the Public Prosecution to fulfil relevant legal requirements.86 The MoI provided many interventions and facilities to enable CSOs to play their role, resume their operations, and overcome obstacles imposed by the continued declaration of the state of emergency as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The MoI:  Extended powers of CSO boards, whose terms of office expired during the pandemic, from 5 March to 5 July 2021. These included 17 CSOs at the time.  Offered administrative and financial facilities to CSOs. During the lockdown and suspended business cycle, the Ministry completed 350 transactions, mainly bank transfers, staff salaries, and other financial transactions. 84 85 86 See Position paper released by CSOs on the Law by Decree Amending the Law on Charitable Associations and Civil Society Organisations, available at: https://bit.ly/3bxvZGj. MoI reply to the ICHR letter, requesting information on charitable associations and civil society organisations, 20 February 2021. Interview with Mr. Ayman Ayesh, Director General of the MoI Public Affairs and Nongovernmental Organisations Department, Gaza, 2 February 2022. The Situation of Human Rights in Palestine