number of clear legal grounds, in compliance with regional and international human rights law.11 14. States may require that associations include certain basic information in their initial notifications. Information required may include the name of the association, names of founding members, physical address (if any), contact information, and planned aims and activities of the association.12 15. The law shall not limit the names of associations, unless they are misleading, for instance due to resembling the names of other associations, or where they violate the prohibition of hate speech as defined by regional and international human rights law.13 16. Associations shall be provided with official documents confirming their submission of notification upon such submission. Should the authorities fail to provide such documents, mailing records and copies of the notification form submitted shall suffice as evidence of submission of notification. 17. Associations shall not be required to register more than once or to renew their registration. 18. A registration fee may be imposed to cover administration fees, provided that this fee is modest and does not have the effect of deterring associations from registering in practice.14 19. The same registration procedure shall be employed throughout the country.15 20. Foreign and international associations may establish branches in accordance with procedures duly laid down in national law. Any limitations imposed by states shall be in accordance with the principle of legality, have a legitimate public purpose, and be necessary and proportionate means of achieving that purpose within a democratic society, as these principles are understood in the light of regional and international human rights law. 11 For more commentary pertaining to such an issue, see Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Guidelines on Freedom of Association (2015), para. 154. 12 Should the information initially submitted be incomplete, the administrative authorities should inform the association and request the additional information. 13 On the definition of this term, see Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Rabat Plan of Action on the prohibition of advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence (Oct. 5, 2012). 14 Where an association does not possess sufficient financial means, easement of fees is appropriate. 15 This clause is aimed at preventing limitations on associations within certain territories and regions of countries. 12 |  African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights