collects, publishes and distributes information about the registration of Charities, and organizes a consultative forum for governmental organs and the various Charities and Societies. 12. The Cooperative Societies Commission The Government established the Cooperative Commission, which is responsible for organizing and registering cooperative societies and for rendering training, conducting research and other technical support to societies. The government issued legislation under which cooperative societies are organized and managed in order to achieve their objectives, and created mechanisms to enable cooperative societies to actively participate in the free market economic system. Accordingly many cooperative societies have been formed by individuals on a voluntary basis for those who have similar needs for creating savings groups and mutual assistance among themselves by pooling their resources, knowledge and property. These co-operative societies are open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination. Co-operative societies provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees to enable them to contribute effectively to the development of their societies. These societies have enabled rural and urban working people to solve many of the economic and social problems they face by themselves, helping them to depend on local resources and become self-reliant. 13. Financial Intelligence Center The Financial Intelligence Centre was established by virtue of regulations issued by the Council of Ministers. The Centre is empowered to investigate cases of money laundering, financing of terrorism and other offences provided for under Proclamation number 657/2009 and to refer cases to the competent authorities. The Center takes action to ensure compliance by accountable persons pursuant to the requirements laid down under the Proclamation when there is sufficient ground for prosecution or investigation. The Centre also collects, receives, stores, surveys, analyzes and disseminates information pursuant to the Proclamation. This law provides for banking and financial institutions and other persons to disclose information obtained from customers. 32