Article 3. Purpose of Establishing Public Associations

Public associations shall be established for the purpose of realizing and protecting civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights and freedoms; fostering the activeness and initiative of citizens and their participation in the governance of state and public affairs; satisfying professional and amateur interests; developing scientific, technical and artistic creativity; preserving public health and participating in charitable activities; carrying out cultural-educational, physical culture, health-improving and sports activities; protecting nature and cultural heritage objects; promoting patriotic and humanistic education; expanding inter-republican and international relations, strengthening peace and friendship among peoples; and carrying out other activities not prohibited by law.

The establishment of public associations whose activities are aimed at undermining the moral foundations of society and universal humanistic values, as well as at unlawfully altering the constitutional order or violating the territorial integrity of the Republic of Uzbekistan, inciting war, violence and cruelty, fostering social division, including class, racial, national and religious enmity, or engaging in other acts prohibited by law, shall not be permitted.

The establishment of militarized public associations and armed formations, as well as political parties of a religious character, their branches, and other structural subdivisions, shall be prohibited.

Public associations and their bodies shall not exert unlawful or undemocratic pressure on legally and democratically formed bodies of power and administration, or on persons vested with state authority. Any attempt to exert pressure under the pretext of resolving issues in a democratic way against the legitimately functioning bodies of power and administration and officials shall be suppressed by law.

The establishment and activity of public associations that infringe upon the health and morals of the population, the rights of citizens, or the interests protected by law shall be prosecuted in accordance with the law.