There are no significant restrictions on freedom of assembly. The 1964 Trade Union Act recognizes the right of workers to form independent unions. Most Tongans are engaged in subsistence agriculture and no unions have formed. The king appoints all judges, and the lower levels of the judiciary are not independent. The Supreme Court is independent and uses expatriate judges.
Citizens are free to travel domestically and abroad.
Although nobles enjoy certain economic advantages, including control over much of the country's land, commoners can achieve financial success in the private sector. Women generally occupy a subordinate role in this male-dominated society. Few women participate in the formal labor force, and they cannot own land or hold noble titles. Several nongovernmental organizations work actively on women's rights and development issues.