Definition 1. An association is an organized, independent, not-for-profit body based on the voluntary grouping of persons with a common interest, activity or purpose. Such an association may be formal (de jure) or informal (de facto).1 a. A formal (de jure) association is an association that has legal personality. b. An informal (de facto) association is an association that does not have legal personality, but that nonetheless has some institutional form or structure.2 2. Civil society consists of formal and informal associations independent of the state through which citizens may pursue common purposes, participate in the political, social and cultural life of their societies, and be involved in all matters pertaining to public policy and public affairs. 3. Assembly refers to an act of intentionally gathering, in private or in public, for an expressive purpose and for an extended duration. The right to assembly may be exercised in a number of ways, including through demonstrations, protests, meetings, processions, rallies, sit-ins, and funerals, through the use of online platforms, or in any other way people choose. 1 See Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Guidelines on Freedom of Association (2015), para. 7. 2 See id. Guidelines on Freedom of Association and Assembly in Africa  | 9