A/HRC/28/70 93. In February 2015, various outlets reported that references to former President Mohammad Khatami were banned. G. Freedom of peaceful assembly and association 1. Non-Governmental Organization Bill 94. A draft Non-Governmental Organizations Bill presented by the Interior Ministry to the Parliament on 9 November 201462 appears to further threaten the independence of civil society. The Bill envisions councils at the national, provincial, and city levels that will, in part, be responsible for the issuance of activity licenses to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) pursing “social, cultural, artistic, health, environmental, cultural heritage, human rights, ethnic, and development” issues, and whose activities are not currently subject to other laws that govern professional organizations or political entities, such as political parties.63 According to the Bill, Councils would also be responsible for the supervision and support of NGOs and for addressing potential misconduct. NGOs would only be able to officially pursue organizational activities upon receiving establishment permits, activity licenses, and registrations.64 Procedures introduced by the Bill to establish an association appear particularly burdensome and would subject NGOs to administrative supervision which could then be used as a means to quell dissenting views or beliefs, in violation of international norms and standards. 2. Relevant provisions of the Bill 95. Councils: The National Council would consist of 32 officials, including 16 government officials and 16 elected representatives from NGOs.65 Provincial and City Councils will be headed by Governors, City Governors, four NGO representatives, and at least five government officials. Councils will be supported by secretariats responsible for reviewing applications to establish NGOs, for pursuing the implementation of programs and policies that facilitate research activities adopted by the National Council, for cooperating with other executive and supervisory agencies to monitor NGOs, and to review and present reports of misconduct to the National Council.66 96. The process of obtaining activity licenses: NGO’s would be required to submit meeting minutes on the establishment of their organization, including an organogram, organization objectives, a list of activities, expansion plans and procedures, and procedures for the selection of representatives and their duties.67 Authorities, whose representatives will also have the right to participate in organizational meetings as observers, must approve these documents.68 The Bill requires that the Intelligence Ministry, police, and other specialized agencies be consulted on the legality of the objectives and activities proposed 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 40 http://www.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=13930905000787; http://saman.moi.ir/Portal/Home/ShowPage.aspx?Object=NEWS&CategoryID=a8d0de91-2cf9-4078911c-6f9aa6b96500&WebPartID=a2f25aaa-9bd2-4312-a121-65e1e4fea74e&ID=4031c61e-2ef14d28-8a30-36f65c996901. Articles 2 and 4. Article 21. Articles 2 and 9. Article 11. Article 24. Article 18.