Article 2 of the Saudi Civil Society Associations Law
المادة 2 من نظام الجمعيات والمؤسسات الأهلية
The Law aims to regulate, develop and protect civil society work, contribute to national development, strengthen citizens' participation, activate volunteering and achieve social solidarity.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يهدف هذا النظام إلى الآتي :
1 - تنظيم العمل الأهلي وتطويره وحمايته.
2 - الإسهام في التنمية الوطنية.
3 - تعزيز مساهمة المواطن في إدارة المجتمع وتطويره.
4 - تفعيل ثقافة العمل التطوعي بين أفراد المجتمع.
5 - تحقيق التكافل الاجتماعي.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 2 explained in plain English
This Article states the aims the Law was made to achieve, which are five:
- Regulating, developing and protecting civil society work: the Law does not only restrict civil society work but protects and develops it.
- Contributing to national development: treating associations and organizations as a partner in development.
- Strengthening the citizen's participation in managing and developing society.
- Activating a culture of volunteering among members of society.
- Achieving social solidarity.
These aims do not themselves create direct rights or obligations, but they are important for understanding the spirit of the Law: where a text is unclear or open to several interpretations, the interpretation that achieves these aims is preferred. They also reflect the legislator's view of associations and organizations as a means of society's participation, not merely entities that need oversight.
After it comes Article 3, which classifies the entities subject to the Law into civil society associations and civil society organizations and defines each. Anyone thinking of founding an association or organization would do well to read these aims to make sure his purpose is consistent with them.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 2 of the Saudi Civil Society Associations Law
What are the aims of the Law of Civil Society Associations and Organizations?
Regulating, developing and protecting civil society work, contributing to national development, strengthening citizens' participation, activating volunteering and achieving social solidarity.
Does the Law aim to support volunteering?
Yes. One of its aims is activating a culture of volunteering among members of society.
More articles on Aims of the Civil Society Associations Law
- Article 1
The Article defines the terms of the Law of Civil Society Associations and Organizations, including the Center, its board, the basic regulation, the fund, the supervising body and the competent body.
يقصد بالألفاظ والعبارات الآتية - أينما وردت في هذا النظام - المعاني المبينة أمام كل منها : 1 - النظام : نظام الجمعيات والمؤسسات الأهلية. 2 - المركز: المركز الوط
- Article 41
The Law applies to charitable organizations established by royal orders, except where their own basic statute has a special provision or the Council of Ministers decides that provisions do not apply to them.
تسري أحكام هذا النظام على المؤسسات الخيرية المنشأة بموجب أوامر ملكية باستثناء ما يلي : 1 - ما يرد به نص خاص في النظام الأساسي للمؤسسة. 2 - الأحكام التي يقرر مجل
- Article 42
The Minister must issue the Regulations of the Law of Civil Society Associations and Organizations within 90 days of the date the Law is published.
يصدر الوزير اللائحة خلال (تسعين) يوماً من تاريخ نشر النظام.
- Article 43
The Law repeals the Regulation of Charitable Associations and Institutions issued by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 107 dated 25/6/1410 AH, and any provisions that conflict with it.
يلغي هذا النظام لائحة الجمعيات والمؤسسات الخيرية ، الصادرة بقرار مجلس الوزراء رقم (107) وتاريخ 25/ 6/ 1410هـ ، وكل ما يتعارض معه من أحكام.
- Article 44
The Law of Civil Society Associations and Organizations takes effect 90 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
يعمل بهذا النظام بعد (تسعين) يوماً من تاريخ نشره في الجريدة الرسمية.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.