ANNUAL REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ARMENIAN YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION FOR 2005
CONTENT
- Address of the President of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association
- INTRODUCTION
- AYLA MISSION AND VALUES
- AYLA TEAM
- COOPERATION
- AYLA PROJECTS
- STATISTICS OF IMPLEMENTED ACTIVITIES
- The EXTERNAL Audit Conclusion and Financial Reports on the Financial Assets of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association for 2005
- INDEPENDENT AUDIT CONCLUSION
- AUDIT OPINION ON THE FINANCIAL REPORTS
- BALANCE SHEET
- Statement of Financial Results
- AYLA ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
- AYLA BOARD
- CONTACTS
- Address of the President of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association
Dear Friends,
We have the pleasure to introduce to your attention the Annual Report on the activities of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association for 2005. The Armenian Young Lawyers Association has taken its specific place in the public life of Armenia for ten years already, and is realizing its mission to achieve its vision for the future. During past years we traditionally have published our Annual Report, which we believe to be especially important for publicising and clarifying our activities to our beneficiaries and partners. It is also very important for ensuring transparency, which is one of the most essential components for the establishment of a sustainable and viable NGO. At present, high legal consciousness is one of the most important, and perhaps even the most essential characteristics of a civilized society. Nevertheless, AYLA’s observations and studies reveal that the low level of legal consciousness and the lack of protection of legal rights are the major problems within the Armenian society, which crucially require prompt solutions, and currently this is one of the primary aims of the AYLA activities. In 2005, AYLA carried out a number of activities, which were aimed at solving the aforesaid problems, and AYLA has achieved positive results. The past year was successful from the aspect of training as well as raising the professional level of young lawyers. The activities, which AYLA carried out during this period, laid the groundwork for the establishment of new traditions. In particular, AYLA in cooperation with its partners and associates organized legal conferences for the whole of the Republic; an international law moot court competition; as well as a series of training courses, which of course have had great influence for the development of the new generation of young lawyers. I would also like to emphasize that the year 2005 was remarkable from the aspect of establishing cooperation with new partners and was a start for new projects and initiatives. I hope the 2005 Annual Report comprehensively introduces our activities, and includes all the necessary data and information.
In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to all the AYLA members and staff, our supporters and colleagues, as well as media representatives for their support and assistance to AYLA.
I assure you that AYLA will carry on its activities in order to realise its Mission to promote the establishment of rule of law and the formation of civil society in Armenia.
Respects,
Karen Zadoyan,
President of Armenian Young Lawyers Association
II. INTRODUCTION
Perception of the necessity to solve a number of the most important problems that the society faced during the last years induced a group of young lawyers to establish the Armenian Young Lawyers Association in 1995. Since its establishment, the organization determined its primary activities, which must be realized, having the aim to establish in Armenia a sovereign, democratic, legal and social state, as well as to defend human rights and form a civil society. The activities that the Association has carried out during its decade of existence show that it is consistently working within the bounds of its mission, and is advancing in its vision for the future.
Protection of human rights and raising legal awareness within the population, as well as supporting the establishment of the advocacy institute in Armenia, development of the new generation of young lawyers, and establishment of civil society, are the main goals of AYLA’s activities.
Currently AYLA possesses a network of 8 offices, which operate in 6 provinces of Armenia and make accessible the organization’s services for the population of the provinces as well. In 2003, having the aim to raise the effectiveness of the projects directed to the development of law students, as well as to expand their involvement in AYLA activities and to raise the level of their legal consciousness, AYLA established its Law Students’ Division (LSD). The activities of LSD are aimed to facilitate introduction of the international legal experience and improvement of the quality and effectiveness of the legal education in the law schools and law departments of the other institutes in the RA. AYLA possesses a rich legal library and its services are available for young lawyers, as well as all interested individuals in Yerevan and in the provinces. AYLA has elaborated and launched a bilingual official website www.ayla.am to disseminate information on the organization and to ensure the transparency of its activities.
Thus, AYLA has remained devoted to its mission and values, and in joining the efforts and potential of its members with the supporters of the Organization, guides them towards the realization of its goals. Therefore, we have the pleasure to introduce to your attention the Annual Report of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association, which reflects the organization’s activities and implemented projects, as well as the financial reports and the independent audit’s conclusion. It includes detailed information on the organization as well.
II. MISSION AND VALUES
The Mission of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association is to develop a new generation of highly professional lawyers, having a modern outlook and working to promote the establishment of rule of law, democracy, and the formation of civil society in Armenia, where the people are aware of their rights and their rights are protected.
The values, which the Armenian Young Lawyers Association has adopted since its establishment, are:
- Modern legal culture based upon the heritage of centuries old Armenian values.
- Legally educated society, which is aware of its rights.
- Highly professional lawyers and advocates, possessing a new and modern methodology and working to protect human rights.
- Powerful non-governmental organizations and a strong civil society.
Staying devoted to its Mission and values The Armenian Young Lawyers Association in future should be one of the most influential, well-known, powerful and useful organizations in the legal field of Armenia: consisting of highly professional lawyers and like-minded people with a new mentality.
IV. AYLA TEAM
The Armenian Young Lawyers Association is a structure with team spirit and mutual devotion. The AYLA team is the core of the organization and consists of knowledgeable and flexible young lawyers, advocates, and other specialists who share the mission and values of the organization. For ten years already, the AYLA team has been continuously and with great devotion carrying out activities aimed at raising the level of legal consciousness in the population alongside the protection of their legal rights, as well as the development of professional and related skills of the lawyers of the new generation and the formation of the legal culture in Armenia. The AYLA team consistently works towards the development of its professional qualities and skills to be in conformity with the demands of the modern world.
V. COOPERATION
The potential for cooperation of non-governmental organizations in Armenia is vast. It includes cooperation with state structures, international and foreign organizations, business and public sectors, and other organizations. Nowadays a great number of international and foreign organizations have undertaken a leading role in the formation and the establishment of a viable public sector, and provide assistance to the representatives of the NGO sector to realize their missions and objectives, as well as to implement different projects and ideas. During the ten years of its existence, AYLA has established a wide range of cooperative activities. Today AYLA cooperates with about forty international and state structures, in addition to around fifty local non-governmental organizations. The cooperation with its partners is one of the strongest aspects of AYLA. In addition, the organization attaches great importance to its partnership relations, persistently strengthening and expanding them. We can state with confidence that our partners attach equally great weight to this cooperation as well, and this is proved by their growing interest in AYLA and its activities.
In 2005, AYLA actively cooperated with the RA Ministries and other governmental structures to ensure public awareness and transparency of governmental activities. AYLA members were involved in the working groups “Judicial System” and “Law Enforcement Bodies” of the Monitoring Committee Against Corruption, which was formed by presidential decree.
During 2005 a number of foreign and international organizations, as well as representatives of the non-governmental sector cooperated with AYLA. These include:
Cordaid, an international development organization based in the Netherlands, which promotes values such as respect for life, solidarity and love for one’s fellow human beings. These principles form the basis for Cordaid’s mission, which focuses on poverty alleviation, justice, and peace, as well as establishment of the civil society.
Since 2000, AYLA has established cooperation with Eurasia Foundation, a non-profit grantmaking organization funding programs that build democratic and free market institutions, and are aimed at the development of the civil society, public and local government, as well as private entrepreneurship. The foundation is headquartered in Washington, and has started its activities in Armenia since 1995.
The Interchurch Organisation for Development Co-operation (ICCO) was founded in 1964 having the aim of poverty alleviation and elimination of injustice all over the world. ICCO supports programs, which stimulate and enable people, in their own way, to organise dignified housing and living conditions. AYLA has established cooperation with ICCO this year.
The Embassy of the United States of America in Armenia was founded in 1992. The Embassy realises assistance programs that are aimed at the development of an open and pluralistic civil society, a functioning market economy, and a stable political environment in the region. The U.S. Embassy is responsible for maintaining day-to-day relations between the U.S. and Armenian governments, and for providing consular services to citizens.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent federal government agency that conducts the US foreign assistance and humanitarian aid programs worldwide. In cooperation with local private and non-governmental organizations USAID reveals the needs and elaborates strategies aimed at providing support for these countries. USAID/Armenia program is carried out through contracts with the US private sector and volunteer organizations, as well as through grants in the spheres provided by the USAID Mission in Armenia. The vision for USAID’s Mission to Armenia is collaborating with Armenian partners to achieve a more equitably prosperous, democratic, and stable country, which will provide corresponding possibilities to its citizens.
The American Bar Association/Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative (ABA/CEELI) is a public service project of the American Bar Association that advances the rule of law in the world by supporting the legal reform processes in the region. CEELI makes accessible the US and European experience and technical support to the newly forming democratic states through supporting to the legal reforms processes in the region. The program was established in 1990. At present the program has 22 representations and joins about 5000 lawyers, judges and advocates.
“The Armenia – Public Sector Reform Program” project carried out by the PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Government of Armenia with funds provided by the Great Britain’s Department for International Development (DFID). The program was aimed to support the public sector reforms in several Ministries of the RA.
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, which has offices in 166 countries. UNDP Country Office in Armenia was established in 1993. UNDP’s Mandate is poverty reduction. As in other countries, UNDP in Armenia supports the government to accomplish the millennial development agenda and reach the overarching goal of cutting poverty in half by 2015.
The Law Foundation of Armenia was founded in 2003. The main goals of the Foundation are to assist to the implementation of legal and judicial reforms in the Republic of Armenia, assist to the establishment and development of the advocacy institute in the republic, as well as to improve the professional skills and raise the role of advocates. It also supports to the establishment of the law schools and the law faculties of other institutes of RA, and promotes to the improvement of the quality and efficacy of legal education in the law schools and the law faculties of other institutes.
The “LEGAL ALLIANCE” Law Firm was established in 1997 with the aim of providing quality legal services to its clients and becoming a leading firm in the legal market. The Firm has been developed dynamically since its inception and it now meets the demanding legal requirements of top domestic and international commercial firms. “LEGAL ALLIANCE” Law Firm is now a pioneering law firm in Armenia, providing accessible and highly qualified legal services to individuals and business entities. The Law Firm has a network of offices, which operate nationwide and provides access to its services in the RA provinces as well. “LEGAL ALLIANCE” Law Firm is a company providing comprehensive legal services to private individuals as well as businessmen. It works with major multinational corporations and financial institutions, as well as with a broad range of clients including the family and private businesses.
“Shen” Benevolent Non-Governmental Organization was created in 1988, having the mission to promote social and economic development and empowerment of remote and vulnerable rural communities of Armenia with active involvement of community members. The organization strives to transfer new knowledge and skills, create employment, and improve community infrastructures.
The International Law Students Association (ILSA) is a non-profit association of students and young lawyers dedicated to the study and promotion of international law. The Association joins the resources of all law schools and strives to make them accessible for all member organisations. Its history is closely linked with its flagship activity, the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. Since its creation, ILSA has been an important influence in ensuring that future generations of law students learn the significance of international law. Currently through its programs and support, ILSA provides essential educational resources to future generations of lawyers and other international professionals worldwide, which will contribute to the development of world order and international law.
The Armenian Bar Association was formed in 1989 in the US to provide an arena for lawyers of Armenian heritage and other interested individuals to come together socially and professionally and to address the legal concerns of the Armenian community. With the creation of an independent Republic of Armenia, the Association undertook the task of helping to build and encourage the growth of democratic institutions in Armenia. Professional growth and community advancement are the main goals of the organization. The Association is committed to serve the profession of law, the interests of its members, and the rights of its constituents.
The European Young Bar Association (EYBA) is a non-profit making, multinational young lawyers association founded on 23 May 1993 in Prague. The group now represents the interests of over 200,000 young lawyers and is the world’s largest young lawyers group. EYBA was established to encourage links between and to promote the interests and welfare of young lawyers throughout geographical Europe. AYLA joined The European Young Bar Association in 1998.
Since its establishment, AYLA has carried out its activities driven by the values for which the organization was founded, and currently it is one of the most developed and viable organizations of the RA NGO Sector. This is sustained by the growing interest of a number of international organizations in AYLA, which works to promote the establishment of new cooperation between AYLA and these organizations. In particular, the AYLA President hosted in AYLA’s Central Office the delegation of the European Anti-Fraud Office of the European Community (OLAF); Mr. Gerard Galler, the Head of Financial and Contracts Section (Scientific Cooperation) of the Delegation of the European Commission to Georgia and Armenia (EU); and Mr. Alexis Loeber, Head of the EU’s delegation to Armenia. The AYLA President also met with Ms Freya von Groote, Danish Refugee Council South Caucasus Coordinator, and Mr. Anthony Fisser, International Expert of World Bank Judicial Sector Reform Project Implementation Unit. The guests got acquainted with the organization’s history, activities and projects. The parties came to a mutual agreement for future cooperation. AYLA also agreed to cooperate with Mr. Peter Lauritzen, Head of the Youth Department of Council of Europe Directorate of Youth and Sport as well.
AYLA attaches much importance and appreciates cooperation with Mass Media, which is indispensable for ensuring the efficiency and transparency of all organizations’ activities as well as public awareness. All the events organized by the AYLA are covered by Mass Media, which has a rather constructive meaning for the organization’s activities.
VI. AYLA PROJECTS
The 2005 Phillip Jessup Law Moot Court Competition
The Armenian Young Lawyers Association, in cooperation with its partners and supporters, has been organizing the Phillip C. Jessup Law Moot Court Competition for six years already in order to influence developments in the sphere of the International Law in Armenia. Students from law schools, alongside those from the law departments of other institutes in Armenia, take part in the competition every year. The Jessup Competition is one of the most well-known and prestigious international law advocacy competitions, which has an essential role in the professional development of the law students. Participants first compete in Regional and National Competitions in their respective countries. Winners from these Competitions advance to the International Round, traditionally held in spring in Washington, D.C. The Competition requires students to prepare and argue a hypothetical case on topical issues of international law as if they were appearing in front of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands. The International Round consists of several rounds, from which the top two teams meet in the final Shearman & Sterling Jessup Cup Championship Round.
The purpose of this Project is to promote the legal education in Armenia and to provide an opportunity to the law students to present oral and written pleadings on current issues of public international law, demonstrating their advocacy and verbal skills in practice. It is also aimed at providing an opportunity for law students to develop their legal reasoning, drafting, and oral advocacy skills in a practical sitting. The students gain opportunity to use the precedents of the International Court of Justice, the European Court on Human Rights, and other international courts, as well as other materials referring to international law provided during the Jessup competition. Participation in the competition provides an opportunity for law students of various schools to establish mutual links and active cooperation.
The team of the law department of the Russian Armenian Slavonic University, the winner of the Armenian National Round of the 2005 Phillip C. Jessup Law Moot Court Competition, took part in the International Round, which was held on March 29 – April 2, 2005 in Washington, D.C. 103 teams from 79 countries throughout the world took part in the International Round. The team of the Russian Armenian Slavonic University finished 80th amongst the 103 teams. The best memorial of Armenian National Round was the 40th in Hardy C. Dillard Award Competition. The details on “Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition” are available at the official website of the “Philip C. Jessup Law Moot Court Competition Armenian Round”.
Legal Resources and Legal Aid
The project started on 1 October 2004 and was completed on 30 June 2005. The project was aimed at the assistance to the young lawyers, young advocates, and law students to continue their legal education; further operation of the AYLA Training and Information Centres, providing pro bono legal services to the vulnerable layers of the RA population; and supporting the activities of the AYLA Law Students’ Division (LSD). During the project implementation period the representatives of the socially vulnerable groups of the RA population received legal advice services in AYLA Offices, the Law Students’ Division published the regular issues of its quarterly newsletter “Law Student”.
Two scientific conferences “Advocacy: Current State and Prospects for its Development in the Republic of Armenia” and “Judicial System: Current State and Prospects for its Development in the Republic of Armenia” for the law students were organized in the framework of the project. The authors of the best-written reports participated in the oral rounds of the conferences. The jury of experts, consisting of well-known advocates, lawyers, and judges, evaluated the written and oral reports of the participants. The winners of the conferences received valuable prizes.
Media reported on both Scientific Conferences. The handbooks of collections of the best reports of the conferences were published and widely disseminated.
The project was supported by the Armenian Representation of American Bar Association, Central and East European Law Initiative (ABA CEELI) and the US Embassy in Armenia.
Advocacy of Human Rights and AYLA Strengthening Program
AYLA started project implementation on 1 August 2005, with the financial support of Dutch Interchurch Organization for Development Cooperation (ICCO). AYLA published and disseminated 15 titles of leaflets, which contain accessible legal information on the protection of human rights, as well as the mechanisms for the protection of human rights. The information leaflets are being disseminated freely to the population through the network of AYLA Offices in Yerevan and RA Syunik, Gegharkunik, Tavush, Shirak and Lori provinces.
In the framework of the project the organization carried out supplementary training of the young lawyers as well, aimed at improvement of their professional knowledge, as well as to provide them an opportunity to get acquainted with the changing legislation. In particular, AYLA organized 2 training courses on human rights consisting of 16 seminars, each for the project beneficiaries: young advocates, young lawyers and law students, as well as high school teachers of law in Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Gavar, Ijevan, and Kapan cities of the RA. Afterwards, 84 trainers that had passed training conducted ‘street law’ seminars for the students, pupils of the senior classes of the secondary schools, and the community members. AYLA continued providing free legal advice services through the network of its offices to the socially vulnerable layers of the population in the framework of this project as well. The practicing lawyers, law students, and other individuals that are interested in law, had the opportunity to use AYLA legal resources in the framework of the project. In addition to theoretical literature, AYLA beneficiaries used the RA legislative computer software program IRTEK.
AYLA Strengthening
The project implementation was continued in 2005. The project aims at strengthening the institutional capacity of the Association and to continue providing pro bono legal services, making them more accessible and effective. During the project implementation, the AYLA beneficiaries received the opportunity to use up-to-date legal literature, journals and videotapes, computer services, as well as the RA legislative computer software program IRTEK. In the framework of the project the AYLA offices organized and carried out ‘street law’ seminars covering different spheres of the legislation for the law students. A series of seminars on “Human Rights and European Law” for the young lawyers was held in the AYLA Yerevan Office. The AYLA Legal Education and Information Centres continued to provide free legal services to the population of Yerevan and RA provinces. The Dutch “Cordaid” Charitable Organization supported this project.
Government of Armenia, Information Dissemination to the Citizens
The Armenian Young Lawyers Association (AYLA) implemented this program under the umbrella of the UNDP-sponsored Business Case, “The Armenia: Public Sector Reform Program.” The project aimed to provide information to the population on public services in the agriculture, labour, urban development, statistical, culture and youth, environmental protection, transport and communication, language, and archive spheres, as well as on the activities of the Regulatory Committee of Public Affairs. Further to this project and in cooperation with the above-mentioned ministries and state institutions, AYLA published 21 information leaflets covering those themes. Each publication had 5000 copies printed, which were disseminated among the population through the Information Center of the Government, corresponding state bodies, UNDP Office, and AYLA.
Development of Mediation Institute in the Republic of Armenia
A Eurasia Foundation-funded project, which is implemented with the technical support of ABA/CEELI and in cooperation with the Foundation for Small and Medium Businesses (FSMB) started on 20 July 2005. The project aimed to develop the mediation institute in Armenia, as well as to provide training on mediation to the young lawyers and the lawyers of small and medium enterprises by providing them mediation guidelines, procedures, and a code of ethics for mediators. This will enable the SME to solve the disputes by means of alternative dispute resolution. In the framework of the project, 25 specialists were trained as mediators/arbitrators in the training course, which was carried out in compliance with international standards. 270 SME representatives and lawyers of the new generation attended the seminars on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Yerevan and in the RA provinces. The “Hot Line,” which was established in the framework of the project, provided free legal services to about 150 SME representatives during the nine months of the project implementation. AYLA in cooperation with FSMB formed a mediation project and a mediation court, which were aimed at solving the disputes between SMEs. Also within the project, AYLA published three information leaflets: “Development of Mediation Courts and Mediation in Armenia” Program, “Mediation Courts and Mediation,” and “Methods for Alternative Dispute Resolution,” in addition to the guidebook “Mechanisms for Alternative Dispute Resolution,” which are all widely distributed amongst the interested organizations and persons. AYLA has also elaborated and launched the website of the project, which provides detailed information on trainings, publications, and other events that were realized in the framework of the project, as well as on the organizers and partners of the project. The website also includes information on the mediation court established by AYLA and FSMB, as well as on legislation and legislative acts related to the theme.
Raising the Legal Awareness of the Populations of 20 Rural Communities in Vardenis and Chambarak Regions of Gegharkunik Province
AYLA started project implementation on 1 September 2005, with the support of “Shen” Charitable Nom-Governmental Organization, through funds provided by ICCO Holland. The project is aimed at provision of accessible pro bono legal advice services, through onsite visits by AYLA Gegharkunik regional branch to the population of rural communities of Vardenis and Chambarak regions of Gegharkunik Province who have no opportunity to use the necessary legal services. The populations of the these communities were provided free legal advice services and the necessary information. The Association organized public hearings with the participation of the representatives from the local government bodies and the community members thus promoting awareness of the population on the activities of the local government bodies, as well as their involvement in the community life. The program aims at raising the level of legal consciousness of the population, as well as to improve the effectiveness of the local self-government and the community beneficiaries and ensure their participation in the community life.
Major Court Case
The general meeting of the trade unions of four departments of the IT General Directorate of ArmenTel took place on 7 November 2005. In compliance with the procedures provided by the RA legislation, the Meeting adopted the decision to announce a pre-emptive strike on 17 November 2005, which was aimed at the protection of the professional, labour, and social rights of the employees. On 17 November 2005, a group of ArmenTel employees applied to the Armenian Young Lawyers Association with a request to provide them legal support. AYLA agreed to defend their rights in the courts, as well as in other bodies pro bono. This was the beginning of their collaboration, and AYLA, within this case, undertook the responsibility to defend the violated rights of about 50 employees. The case is still in progress and continues through to 2006. More detailed information on the case is available on its webpage.
Public Centres for Raising Awareness on the Constitutional Amendments
Considering the importance of the RA Constitution amendments, as well as that of raising the RA population’s legal awareness of their significance, the Armenian Young Lawyers Association, the Law Foundation of Armenia, and the “Legal Alliance” Law Firm established eight centres for raising public awareness in Yerevan and in the provinces of the RA. Starting 1 November 2005, the professional lawyers started providing pro bono legal services to the public at large. The centres were located in AYLA Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Gavar, Ijevan, Goris, and Kapan offices, as well as the temporary office in Artik city. Altogether, 1140 citizens used the services of the centres. 564 clients or 49.47% were female and 571 or 50.09% were male. 5 clients or 0.44 % were juridical persons. Most of the visitors 694 persons were aged 41-65, 344 visitors were between 18-40 years of age, 101 visitors were over 65, and 3 visitors were under 18 years of age. The centres provided free legal consultancy services on the constitutional amendments and issues of concern for the population to 1055 clients – 85 clients were provided information and received the Draft Constitutional Amendments. 696 clients received legal services in-house, 439 clients by phone, and 5 clients were provided legal consultancy services through the internet. Most citizens were interested in the following topics: 1) “Fundamental Human and Civil Rights and Freedoms” – 445 clients or 39%; 2) the power of the RA President – 421 clients or 36.9%; 3) provision on dual citizenship – 107 clients or 9.4%; 4) “Principles of Constitution Rule” – 18 clients or 1.6%; 5) “The National Assembly” – 20 clients or 1.75%; 6) “The Government” – 14 clients or 1.23%; 7) “Judicial Authority” – 54 clients or 4.73%; 8) “Local Self-Government” – 5 clients or 0.44%; and 9) 56 clients or 4.9% were interested in other issues. The lawyers informed the citizens about the changes in the chapters, explained the respective articles, and answered the citizens’ queries. The Public Centres for Raising Awareness on Constitutional Amendments ceased their activities on 25 November 2005.
Internship Program for Armenian Lawyers and Law Students of Diaspora – Summer 2005
Armenian Young Lawyers Association (AYLA) in cooperation with Birthright Armenia/Depi Hayk Foundation carried out the Internship Program – Summer 2005 for the Armenian Lawyers and Law Students of Diaspora. The program was aimed to provide opportunity for the Armenian students of Diaspora to work in the Fatherland to get acquainted and learn more about the life in Armenia, as well as to apply and develop their professional skills and abilities while working with local non-governmental organizations and to establish new contacts. Armand Sarvaryan, law student from the University of London, worked with AYLA in July and August. The AYLA volunteer examined the English versions of the AYLA website and prepared suggestions, which were published on the website after revision. He edited letters sent to donors, made suggestions and comments on the current correspondence with the AYLA partner organizations, translated news pieces for the news section of the website, edited the English version of the AYLA Development Plan, was involved in the translation of the information on AYLA activities and project implementation reports. The AYLA volunteer conducted trainings for a group of 5 AYLA members and staff members on the following themes as well:
- The Education System in the Republic of Armenia and in European countries.
- Should money be a determinative for the individuals who implement justice?
- Comparison of the RA Constitution with the Constitutions of the European countries.
- Armenia’s membership in the European Union and the European Council
- Electronic Means of Communication: Advantages and Shortcomings.
- Civil and Constitutional Reforms in Armenia and the Referendum
- Trends for Artsakh Conflict Resolution.
- How can the Armenian youth improve the life in Armenia?
- Social problems in Armenia.
The volunteer also participated in legal advice activities in the AYLA Office, studied the cases, where AYLA members compiled documents or realized court representation activities. He attended three court hearings where the AYLA lawyers represented the interests of their beneficiaries.
Following these activities, an internet page detailing the internship program has been posted and currently functions.
The International Weekend in London and the Annual Meeting of the European Young Bar Association’s Committee
The 40th International Weekend for young lawyers and barristers all over the world was held from 30 September to 2 October 2005 in London. The International Weekend provides opportunities for the lawyers to meet, and to learn the news that legal London has to offer. Armand Sarvaryan, representative of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association, participated in the International Weekend, which was followed by the Annual Meeting of the European Young Bar Association on 1 October. This was a chance for all member groups to meet and exchange information. AYLA has been an EYBA member since 1998. The EYBA Executive introduced the implemented administrative tasks and major changes in the organization’s activities. They also informed the membership about the decision to change the form of distribution of “The Eurolawyer”, its quarterly EYBA publication, to electronic-only format. Currently it publishes articles about the association members with the aim to increase mutual awareness among the member groups, as well as to promote cooperation. The AYLA representative discussed with the EYBA President the possibility of AYLA cooperation with similar Western European organizations. The EYBA Executive also expressed their desire for a Senior AYLA member to serve on its Board. This international event was an important one for AYLA, as it means new opportunities for the organization and provides a chance to introduce itself and become involved in the legal life of Europe.
VII. STATISTICS OF IMPLEMENTED ACTIVITIES
In 2005 the AYLA Central and regional offices provided the following services in the scope of work of all the implemented projects:
Provision of legal resources
- Provision of modern legal literature
- Provision of legal video production
- Provision of computer, fax, e-mail and Internet services
- Provision of RA legislative computer software program
5183 people made use of the legal resources of AYLA in 2005. 3855 people of this amount or 74.37% used the legal literature, 1328 or 25.63% used the Armenian legislative computer software program and other services (computer, internet and fax):
| Type | Number | % | ||
| Legal literature | 3855 | 74.37 | ||
| Computer systems | 1328 | 25.63 | ||
| Total | 5183 | 100.00 |
1854 people or 35.77% of the users are male, and 3329 people or 64.23 % are female.
| Sex | Number | % | ||
| Female | 3329 | 64.23 | ||
| Male | 1854 | 35.77 | ||
| Total | 5183 | 100.00 |
Organization of Seminars and Trainings
- Seminars and trainings on various spheres of Armenian Legislation and International Law:
In 2005 AYLA offices organized 70 seminars on different spheres of the Armenian legislation. 42 lawyers and law students attended the trainings. The participants of the trainings conducted 2 or more seminars for the pupils of the schools in different regions of Armenia.
2931 pupils from 23 schools participated in 162 seminars conducted by the participants of the Street Law trainings:
- Courses on Human Rights and European Law:
AYLA Central Office organized 4 training courses on Human Rights and European Law. Each training course included a series of 12 seminars. 24 lawyers and law students attended the courses. The participants of the courses conducted 55 seminars on European Law and the mechanisms for the protection of Human Rights for the pupils of 5 schools in Yerevan. 418 pupils participated in the seminars:
- Seminars on Human Rights and the Mechanisms for their Protection:
In 2005 AYLA seven offices organized and conducted 7 training courses consisting of 16 seminars and 7 training courses consisting of 9 seminars on the Seminars on Human Rights and the Mechanisms for their Protection in the framework of the project “Advocacy of Human Rights and AYLA Strengthening Program.” Altogether 84 volunteer /trainers participated in 175 seminars. 42 volunteer trainers then conducted over 100 seminars in the schools, institutes and communities of the RA, which involved about 2000 participants.
Free legal advice and advocacy services
In 2005, AYLA offices provided pro bono legal services and court representative services to 5742 representatives of socially vulnerable layers of the population. Of these, 2436 people or 42.42 % were male and 3254 or 56.67 % were female, and 52 clients or 0.9% were juridical persons
The statistics of the provided services according to the spheres of the right is as follows:
|
Spheres of the free legal services |
Number of beneficiaries per area |
Percentage of beneficiaries (%) |
||
| Labour | 458 | 7.98 | ||
| Housing | 302 | 5.26 | ||
| Family | 490 | 8.53 | ||
| Social Security | 518 | 9.02 | ||
| Civil Rights | 1752 | 30.51 | ||
| Civil Procedure | 265 | 4.62 | ||
| Administrative | 115 | 2.00 | ||
| Criminal Law | 148 | 2.58 | ||
| Land Ownership | 108 | 1.88 | ||
| Health | 35 | 0.61 | ||
| Education and Science | 85 | 1.48 | ||
| Environmental Protection | 0 | 0.00 | ||
| Trafficking | 3 | 0.05 | ||
| Gender Issues (family violence) | 1 | 0.02 | ||
| International Law | 9 | 0.16 | ||
| Criminal Procedure | 24 | 0.42 | ||
| Constitution | 1075 | 18.72 | ||
| Other legal Issues | 354 | 6.17 | ||
| TOTAL | 5742 | 100.00 |
Statistics according to type of the beneficiaries
| Type | Number | % | ||
Natural Persons |
5690 | 99.1 | ||
Legal Persons |
|
52 |
|
0.9 |
| Total | 5742 | 100 |
Statistics according to sex of natural persons
| Sex | Number | % | ||
Female |
|
3254 |
|
56.67 |
Male |
|
2436 |
|
43.33 |
| Total | 5690 | 100 |
VIII. The External Audit Conclusion and Financial Reports on the Financial Assets of Armenian Young Lawyers Association for 2005
“Business Consult” CJSC
INDEPENDENT AUDIT CONCLUSION
To General Assembly and Executive Board of the “Armenian Young Lawyers Association” Non-Governmental Organization:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of the “Armenian Young Lawyers Association” non-governmental organization as of December 31, 2005, and the related statements of activities and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the “Armenian Young Lawyers Association” non-governmental organization’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Audit Standards and practice. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance as to whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Organization Management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
AUDIT OPINION ON THE FINANCIAL REPORTS
In our opinion, except for the above stated, the financial statements of the “Armenian Young Lawyers Association” non-governmental organization present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the organisation as of 31 December 2005, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the year then ended; the accounting is conducted in conformity with the requirements of the RA Law “On Accounting”.
Auditor
Arthur Kirakosyan
Balance Sheet
31 December 2005
AMD ths.
| ASSETS | 2005 | 2004 |
| Non-Current Assets | ||
| Capital Assets | 35 399 | 41 802 |
| Intangible Assets | 142 | 159 |
| Total Non Current Assets | 35 541 | 41 961 |
| Current Assets | ||
| Current receivables | 320 | 3 687 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 4 134 | 19 596 |
| Total Current Assets | 4 454 | 23 283 |
| BALANCE | 39 995 | 65 244 |
| LIABILITIES | ||
| Equity | ||
| Accumulated profit | 64 | 763 |
| Total Equity | 64 | 763 |
| Current Liabilities | ||
| Current accounts payable | 702 | 47 |
| Grants related to income | 39 229 | 64 434 |
| Total Current Liabilities | 39 931 | 64 481 |
| BALANCE | 39 995 | 65 244 |
Statement of Financial Results
01.01.2005 – 31.12.2005
AMD ths.
| 2005 | 2004 | |
| Operating income, including: | ||
| Grants | 66 673 | 54 114 |
| Membership fees | 590 | 637 |
| 67 263 | 54 751 | |
| Operating expenses, including: | ||
| Grants | (64 321) | (54 114) |
| Membership fees | (1 291) | 339 |
| (65 612) | (54 452) | |
| Operating profit | 1 651 | 299 |
| Other non-operating income (loss) | (2 351) | (4 240) |
| Income (loss) from ordinary activity | (700) | (3 941) |
- AYLA ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
X AYLA BOARD
The Board of the Organization is considered to be the governing body of the Organization in-between the General Assemblies. The composition of the Board is determined at the General Meeting of AYLA members, which is held every two years.
AYLA held its last General Meeting on December 5, 2004. The General Meeting elected the Board of the organization:
| Name | Title | |
| Karen Zadoyan | AYLA President, Head of AYLA Board | |
| David Abgaryan | AYLA Vice-President, Deputy-Head of AYLA Board | |
| Narineh Karapetyan | AYLA Responsible Secretary, Responsible Secretary of AYLA Board | |
| Artsrun Mirzoyan | AYLA Board member | |
| Garik Hayrapetyan | AYLA Board member, Head of AYLA Gegharkunik branch | |
| Lusineh Abgaryan | AYLA Board member | |
| Arshavir Khalapyan | AYLA Board member, Head of AYLA Syunik branch |
XI. CONTACTS
Armenian Young Lawyers Association
AYLA Central Office
7 Nalbandyan Str., # 2, Yerevan, RA
Phone: (374 10) 540199
Fax: (374 10) 580299
E-mail: [email protected]
AYLA Gegharkunik Regional Branch
Town Hall Building, 4th floor, Gavar, RA
Phone: (374 264) 25503
Fax: (374 264) 25503
E-mail: [email protected]
AYLA Yerevan Branch
7 Nalbandyan Str., # 2, Yerevan, RA
Phone: (374 10) 540199
Fax: (374 10) 580299
E-mail: [email protected]
AYLA Lori Regional Branch:
82 Vardanants Str., #1, Vanadzor, RA
Phone: (374 322) 22317
Fax: (374 322) 22317
E-mail: [email protected]
AYLA Shirak Regional Branch:
1 Tigran Mets Str., # 2, Gyumri, RA
Phone: (374 312) 23812
Fax: (374 312) 38236
E-mail: [email protected]
AYLA Syunik Regional Branch:
1 A. Manukyan Str., #72, Kapan, RA
Phone: (374 285) 62511
Fax: (374 285) 62511
E-mail: [email protected]
AYLA Goris Office of Syunik Regional Branch:
3 Mashtots Str., 2nd floor, Goris, RA
Phone: (374 284) 25861
Fax: (374 284) 25861
E-mail: [email protected],
AYLA Tavush Regional Branch:
Town Hall Building, Ijevan, RA
Phone: (374 263) 32499
Fax: (374 263) 32499
E-mail: [email protected]