131 I ‐ The Right to Form Associations in International Covenants and Palestinian Legislation International human rights instruments stipulate the protection of the right to freedom of association. Paragraphs (1) and (2) of Article (22) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) state that “Everyone shall have the right to freedom of association with others” and that “No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those which are prescribed by law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. This Article shall not prevent the imposition of lawful restrictions on members of the armed forces and of the police in their exercise of this right”. The International Bill of Human Rights guarantees the right to establish associations by virtue of Article (20) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.” Moreover, Palestinian legislation stipulates the rights of Palestinian citizens to participate in political life and to freedom of association. Paragraph (2) of Article (26) of the Basic Law provides that "Palestinians, as individuals and groups, have the right to participate in political life and the following rights in particular: the right to formation of trade unions, organizations, associations, clubs and popular institutions in accordance with the law". Similarly, Article (1) of the Charitable Organizations and Civil Society Organizations Law (No.1 for year 2000) states that “Palestinians have the right to freely pursue social, cultural, professional and scientific activities, including the formation and running of organizations and organizations in accordance with the law.” Paragraph (1) of Article (2) of the Regulations of the Charitable Organizations and Community Organizations Law states that “Every Palestinian has the right to freely participate in the establishment and management of associations, and the right to affiliation to and withdrawal from such entities, in order to achieve goal(s) that are not for profit sharing.”