Understanding and exercising the right to freedom of association, in a modern sense, is a relatively new phenomenon in China. The reform of ‘old’ social organizations and the emergence of new, privately-initiated, non-profit organizations only began to occur in the 1980s, and such organizations continued to expand throughout the 1990s. Within a short period these new organizations have become a vibrant force in Chinese society. This unique volume – the first book in English to offer systematic and critical research in this field - is the outcome of a three-year research project on the Legal Aspects of Social Organisations in China. The main aim of the project was to encourage Chinese researchers to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the current status of social organizations in China, and to allow them to explore possible ways of creating a friendly legal environment conducive to the exercise of the right to freedom of association. The book contains some of the best results of the Chinese researchers’ work and papers presented by European experts at two international seminars, organized jointly by the Institute of Law of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Law Faculty of Utrecht University, The Netherlands. The contributions of the European experts explore different systems of regulation that have developed, and which are accommodated within the legal framework and traditions of each particular country. The aim of the volume is to stimulate international understanding of the progress made by China and the dilemmas it still faces with respect to its emerging new civil society organizations.

The human rights records of more than ninety countries and territories are put into perspective in Human Rights Watch's signature yearly report. Reflecting extensive investigative work undertaken in 2016 by Human Rights Watch staff, in close partnership with domestic human rights activists, the annual World Report is an invaluable resource for journalists, diplomats, and citizens, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the fight to protect human rights in every corner of the globe.

This volume presents a comparison of the experiences of NGOs in China and Europe. The chapters on China contain the most comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of various types of NGOs currently active in the country. The contributions on foreign NGOs in China, non-governmental think tanks, public interest legal organizations, labour related NGOs and charity organizations, are the first in English to discuss successful experiences as well as the difficulties they face in the post-Mao era. The European studies draw examples from countries where the experiences of NGOs are at various stages of development. The section on NGOs in Central and Eastern Europe examines the rapid expansion of civil society and their pivotal role in promoting political change and building democracy in a transitional society, as well as the challenges they confront in advancing a strong civil society. Those chapters on NGOs' experiences in Western European countries, especially in the Netherlands and the UK, provide insightful information and examination of the most contentious issues concerning NGOs' accountability, governance and relationship with the government.

Americans are joiners--of churches, community associations, and service organizations of all kinds. This volume explores the individual and civic values of associational freedom in a liberal democracy.

The best country-by-country assessment of human rights. The human rights records of more than ninety countries and territories are put into perspective in Human Rights Watch's signature yearly report. Reflecting extensive investigative work undertaken by Human Rights Watch staff, in close partnership with domestic human rights activists, the annual World Report is an invaluable resource for journalists, diplomats, and citizens, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the fight to protect human rights in every corner of the globe.