The Ministry of Justice is no longer the authorized body overseeing the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs); this function is assigned to the State Revenue Committee. As a result of legislative changes, a number of powers as well as new responsibilities have been provided to NGOs.
Today, the regular training course on the NGO Law was held in Vanadzor. The training was organized within the framework of the EU-funded “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue ” Project.
Mr. Arthur Sukiasyan, the project program lawyer presented to the representatives of about ten non-governmental organizations the important changes, the problems encountered in the new law and ways to avoid them.
In particular, he mentioned that in parallel with positive innovations there are some problematic provisions in the new law, related to taxation regimes. in particular, it is still unclear whether the income will be taxable or not, and whether the grants will be taxed or not.
After the training, Arthur Sukiasyan provided legal advice to several NGO representatives, as well as individuals who wanted to create a new NGO.
It should be noted that on 16 March, 2016, the National Assembly adopted a new law on non-governmental organizations, which entered into force on February 4, 2017. The law contains a number of innovations and problematic norms.
The “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” Project is implemented with the financial support of the European Union by the “Armenian Lawyers’ Association” NGO in cooperation with its partners; Agora Central Europe o.p.s (an NGO from the Czech Republic), Armenian Center for Democratic Education-CIVITAS, “International Center for Human Development” Public Organization, SME Cooperation Association and Union of Communities of Armenia.