The right to form groups, to organise and to assemble together with the aim of addressing issues of common concern is a human right. The ability to organise is an important means by which citizens can influence their governments and leaders. The right to freedom of association and assembly is protected in international and regional human rights treaties. These rights are applicable to any issue. Mass protest is a potent symbol of the exercise of this right. Freedom of assembly - the right of people to gather without fear of government harassment or intrusion - is inextricably tied to freedom of speech, of religion, and to petition the government. Were the freedom of assembly limited to orderly gatherings in public parks, however, exercise of this right would impli- cate only clean streets and crowd control. But ideas, and the rights that protect them, are far more important.