Glossary
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Freedom of association
There is a constitutionally guaranteed right to join together in associations. Article 23 of the Federal Constitution (FC) reads: “Freedom of association is guaranteed. Every person has the right to form, join or belong to an association and to participate in the activities of an association. No person may be compelled to join or to belong to an association.” This right also applies to foreigners in Switzerland. As a special form, the Federal Constitution mentions the right to form professional associations, which refers to the right of employees and employers to join together in order to protect their interests. Apart from the freedom of association, the Federal Constitution also guarantees the freedom of assembly and the freedom of expression and information (Federal Constitution, Articles 16 and 22).
