2014 | ARMENIAN LAWYERS' ASSOCIATION

I. ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE ARMENIAN YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

Dear Friends, Partners and Associates,

For the 14^th time we cordially present to your attention the Annual Report on the activities of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association covering the activities, implemented and current projects and the annual financial report of the organization for 2014. Highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in the Organization`s activities towards its beneficiaries, members, partners and donor organizations, AYLA publishes the Annual Report of AYLA aimed at making the activities of the organization accessible for all the interested parties. The Annual Report of AYLA has been for years considered as one of the main pillars of the organization`s transparent activities.

During 2014 AYLA has implemented 4 projects in the framework of which the organization established the Anti-Corruption Coalition of Civil Society Organizations consisting of 70 NGOs, enhanced the monitoring and watchdog capacities of the CSOs, contributed to the increase of the civic participation in the decision-making process of local self-governance bodies in Armenia and Georgia and to the development of the citizens` capacities of public oversight over the activities of the LSGBs through applying advanced EU experience in the sphere.

In the past year AYLA has been operating the national network of anti-corruption centers. Free legal service has been provided to the RA population through this Network and the Branches of AYLA. Free legal service has also been provided online through applying to the Iravaban.net website.

During the past year the organization continued implementing public awareness campaigns among the population through disseminating accessible information on their rights. Community meetings have been organized and held in various cities and close and remote rural communities of all the regions.

Marking the importance of the fight against corruption in the RA, AYLA has been effectively working towards implementing anti-corruption reforms. In particular, AYLA took an active participation in the development of the RA 2014-2018 Anti-Corruption Strategy and the Action Plan for its implementation, presenting sector analyses and suggestions. The analyses and suggestions are mainly related to the issues of establishment of an independent anti-corruption body in Armenia, criminalization of the illicit enrichment, adoption of the law on protection and promotion of the rights of whistle-blowers, as well as inclusion of the social sphere in the framework of the anti-corruption strategy as one of the target spheres in the fight against corruption.

Due to the activities of AYLA the Iravaban.net independent professional news website has found its unique place for the society and the legal community, becoming a demanded platform for the society and the legal community to discuss legal issues and high profile cases.

Last year AYLA and the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation held the second Summer School on European Law. Another important event for this period of time is the establishment of the Anti-Corruption and Integrity Fall School by the joint efforts of AYLA and the OSCE Yerevan Office. It is first in its type which unites young lawyers with anti-corruption perception and accepting the principles of integrity, who are interested in the fight against corruption and transmission of the values of integrity in Armenia.

It is my pleasure to mention that in 2014 AYLA became acquired membership of two very important institutions – UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Coalition and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). In the frames of the latter AYLA holds a Special consultative Status.

It is undeniable that the realization of the aforementioned achievements and ideas of AYLA is possible only due to the direct involvement of the strong team of AYLA – members and staff; volunteers and beneficiaries, partners and donors, and we express our gratitude to all of them. I assure You that our entire work is valued and brings to the desired outcome, which enables us to further our work with great enthusiasm and dedication.

The Armenian Young Lawyers Association undertakes definite steps aimed at the development of democracy in our republic, consolidation of the legal state and effective fight against corruption. The organization shall further contribute through its devoted work to the protection of the rights and interests of the members of society, as well as to the improvement of the professional skills and capacity of the lawyers of the new generation.

With regards and best wishes,

Karen Zadoyan

Advocate

President of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association

II. INTRODUCTION

The Armenian Young Lawyers Association was established in 1995, in Yerevan. Throughout the 19 years of activities and due to its devoted work the organization enjoys, the high appreciation and respect of the beneficiaries, partners and supporters and has its invaluable place in the legal field of the RA.

Since its establishment, shaping the vision of the future and adopting a mission, the organization directs its activities towards the implementation of its objectives and realization of main goals, contributing to the effective fight against corruption, human rights protection, development of young lawyers and the strengthening of democracy.

AYLA soon established partnership relations with a number of state, non-governmental, international and foreign institutions and carried out various projects directed at the implementation of its main strategic directions. It is notable that in several years after the establishment the organization`s services have become accessible in almost the entire republic due to the local offices functioning in the RA regions. Currently AYLA has five branches in Yerevan and the RA regions of Shirak, Lori, Gegharkunik and Syunik. Since 2010 AYLA also operates the national network of anti-corruption centers. In 2013 the USAID made a decision on the early termination of the “Armenia Against Corruption” project, as a result of which the National network of Anti-corruption centers came together and started to operate the anti-corruption centers on voluntary basis, and these centers are currently located in Yerevan and the RA regions of Shirak, Lori, Gegharkunik and Syunik.

In the course of 2013 the AYLA Committee on Legal Education and Information, Committee on Human Rights, Legal Assistance, European Integration and International Cooperation, Committee on Good Governance, Anti-Corruption and Monitoring Issues, the Law Students` Division and the Leisure Club effectively continued their activities.

AYLA possesses a rich legal library, and its services are open for the young lawyers and other interested individuals from Yerevan and the regions. To ensure transparency and accountability of its activities and to disseminate information on the organization, AYLA operates its official bilingual website www.ayla.am, and to disseminate information on the activities of the National network of anti-corruption centers, AYLA also operates the official bilingual website of the Network – www.aac.am.

In 2014 the www.iravaban.net news website established by the AYLA continued its functioning with high rates of efficiency and usefulness. It is a professional independent website which has been established to contribute to the raising of legal awareness among the public, the development of legal culture, to contribute to the development of professional capacities of the lawyers and to serve as a platform for the publication of scientific works in the legal sphere and the coverage of various legal events in Armenia and the world.

The main directions of AYLA`s activities are the protection of human rights, including the rights of socially vulnerable layers of the population and women`s rights, raising of legal consciousness of the population, fight against corruption in Armenia, assistance in the development of the advocacy institute in Armenia, promotion of legislative and judicial reforms, development and education of the new generation of young lawyers and the contribution in the development of the civil society.

III. MISSION AND VALUES OF AYLA, VISION OF THE FUTURE

The Mission of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association is to develop e new generation of highly professional lawyers, having a modern outlook and moral values, as well as to promote the establishment of the rule of law and formation of the legal culture in the society.

The values of the organization are:

Modern legal culture based upon the heritage of centuries-old global and Armenian values;
Legally educated society which is aware of its rights;
Protected human rights;
Highly professional lawyers and advocates with high moral values;
Strong civil society.

Vision of the future

The Armenian Young Lawyers Association is one of the most influential, famous, powerful and useful organizations in the legal sphere.

IV. AYLA TEAM

All the successes that the Armenian Young Lawyers Association has achieved during its activities are mainly explained by the high professionalism of the core team and the individuals full of new ideas, who duly observe the organization`s values and mission and have their constant unbiased contribution to the development and sustainability of AYLA, coming up with new initiatives and ideas essential for the AYLA`s future. The AYLA team consistently carries out activities directed at the improvement of professional qualities and other skills of its members, as well as holds various other activities. The AYLA team marks the importance of the organizational ideology and values, and therefore is always led thereby during its activities.

V. COOPERATION

AYLA continues its cooperation with state, non-governmental, international and foreign organizations extending its partnerships year by year.

In the past year the Organization held various professional events and thereby established partner relations with multiple civil society and international organizations, state bodies, including the RA Government, regional, municipal and rural government bodies, the National Assembly, the staff of the President of the Republic of Armenia, the RA Prosecutor General`s Office, as well as with the institutions of the judiciary system and other structures.

European Union. The European Commission is the EU’s executive body.

The European Union is made up of 28 Member States who have decided to gradually link together their know-how, resources and destinies. Together, during a period of enlargement of 50 years, they have built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development whilst maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. The European Union is committed to sharing its achievements and its values with countries and peoples beyond its borders.

The EU-Armenia relations are regulated through the EU-Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), which was signed in 1996 and entered into force in 1999. The European Union is officially represented in Armenia by the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia based in Yerevan.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent federal government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State and provides economic, social, development and humanitarian assistance around the world in support of U.S. foreign policy objectives. For over a decade, USAID has been a leading donor agency in Armenia, managing approximately two-thirds of the total U.S. assistance program. Over this time, USAID/Armenia’s programs have evolved from humanitarian assistance towards promotion of long-term economic development, sound social policies and democratic reform. USAID/Armenia works with the Armenian public, the Government of Armenia, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and other donors.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office in Yerevan started its operations on 9 February 2000. The mandate of the Office is broad, covering all aspects of OSCE activities in the politico-military, economic and environmental, as well as human dimensions. The OSCE Office in Yerevan contributes to the development of democratic institutions in the country, strengthening civil society and promoting OSCE standards and principles.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic coordinates and manages the foreign relations of the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic supports the implementation of development projects, provides humanitarian aid, as well as carries out a number of related activities. The Czech Republic focuses on projects where it may benefit from its comparative advantages, including its experience with the process of transition towards a democratic political system, and from a centrally planned economy to a market one.

The Czech Republic has established effective cooperation within the framework of the Eastern Partnership – with the Member-States of the Partnership, including the Republic of Armenia. The priorities of this cooperation are the promotion of democratic governance and human rights` protection, development of social dialogue and people-to-people contacts. Czech-Armenian cooperation has a 23-year history since the establishment of official diplomatic relations in 1992.

The German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation (IRZ Foundation) was established as a registered association in May 1992 on the initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Justice. The establishment was preceded by various inquiries of the transition countries of Central, Eastern and partly also South-Eastern Europe asking the Federal Ministry of Justice for assistance in the upcoming reforms.

The IRZ Foundation implements projects in roughly 30 partner countries with more than 45 staff members at its headquarters in Bonn. Furthermore, the IRZ Foundation has been present with a Berlin-based office in the German capital since 2009.

The IRZ Foundation has been supporting its partner countries in the establishment of an independent and well-functioning judicial apparatus, including procedural law foundations, as well as in the harmonization of their national legal systems with the European Union law.

Integrity Action independent Non-Government Organization, Great Britain was founded in 2003 in response to challenges facing the anti-corruption movement with the belief that integrity offers one of the largest opportunities for improvements in equitable and sustainable development. Integrity Action has been instrumental in positioning integrity on the institutional reform agenda and is now established as a principal player in this growing field.

The trustees and senior management of Integrity Action recognize that bribery and corruption are contrary to fundamental values of integrity, transparency and accountability and undermine organizational effectiveness. It also exposes the manifestations of integrity, as well as the specific individuals involved to criminal sanctions in the UK and elsewhere. The organization is committed to a policy of zero-tolerance towards bribery in any form, in respect of the whole of its global operations.

Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Yerevan Office: Freedom, justice and solidarity are the basic principles underlying the work of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS). The KAS is a political foundation, closely associated with the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU). As cofounder of the CDU and the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Konrad Adenauer (1876-1967) united Christian-social, conservative and liberal traditions. In its European and international cooperation efforts KAS works for people to be able to live self-determined lives in freedom and dignity. KAS makes a targeted contribution to helping Germany meet its growing responsibilities throughout the world.

KAS cooperates with governmental institutions, political parties, civil society organizations and handpicked elites, building strong partnerships along the way. In particular the Foundation seeks to intensify political cooperation in the area of development cooperation at the national and international levels on the foundations of its objectives and values. Together with its partners the organization makes a contribution to the creation of an international order that enables every country to develop in freedom and under its own responsibility.

UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Coalition. Good governance and the struggle against corruption need great efforts not only from the government but also from the representatives of civil society. The 13th article of the UN Convention against Corruption refers to this where the necessity of the civil society participation in the struggle against corruption is defined.

In order to ensure the implementation of the Convention a number of bodies have been established, among them UNCAC Coalition. The Coalition is a global network of over 350 civil society organizations (CSOs) in over 100 countries, committed to promoting the ratification, implementation and monitoring of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Established in August 2006, it mobilizes civil society action for UNCAC at international, regional and national levels. It is worth mentioning that Armenia joined UNCAC on 7th April, 2007.

UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the 6 important bodies of the UN founded by the Charter of the UN adopted in 1946. It is responsible for coordinating the economic, social and related work and serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and for formulating policy recommendation and suggestions. ECOSOC works on the internationally agreed goals to target the development of the sphere.

ECOSOC serves as a central mechanism to ensure the activities of the UN system and the specialized bodies, as well as observes the activities of the expertise in economic, social and ecologic spheres.

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 regions 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.

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 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 organizations. 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 European Young Bar Association (EYBA) is a nonprofit 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.

AYLA constantly consolidates and expands its links with the partners, as well as promotes the establishment of relations between the AYLA and local, foreign and international organizations. The AYLA external relations are one of the assets of the structure. AYLA enjoys confidence among the partner organizations and this is a guarantee for consolidation of the links and establishment of new relationships.

AYLA attaches much importance and appreciates cooperation with Mass Media, and believes that they are indispensable for ensuring the efficiency and transparency of the organizations’ activities, as well as informing the citizens. The Armenian local and republican media impartially cover all the events organized by AYLA.

VI. AYLA PROJECTS AND IMPLEMENTED ACTIVITIES

“Armenia Against Corruption” project: AYLA carried out the implementation of the project from August 2012 to 31 January, 2014, financially supported by the USAID. The project in essence is the continuation of the “Development of the AAC National Network” project. In the framework of this project, the Advocacy and Assistance Centers (AAC) were renamed into Anti-Corruption Centers (ACC), and began to carry out more targeted activities, working on daily basis and concentrating on the complaints that include corruption risks. The Project activities were implemented in 3 directions:

Provision of free legal and advocacy services on the cases involving corruption risks;
Definition and implementation of systemic and procedural reforms;
Awareness-raising and anti-corruption education of the society.

“Multi-Faceted Anti-Corruption Promotion” Project. AYLA started the implementation of the project on 1 February 2014 in partnership with the Freedom of Information Center by the financial assistance of the European Union. The Project aims to increase the role of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in promoting anti-corruption reforms and their implementation to build the capacity of CSOs and the media to engage in monitoring and watchdog activities. Anti-corruption training workshops have been organized in Yerevan and the RA regions with the purpose of enabling CSOs and media organisations to better comprehend the issues related to anti-corruption and freedom of information. These activities aim at deepening the existing opportunities for carrying out anti-corruption activities. Small grants will be given for raising the effectiveness of public monitoring and implementation of appropriate monitoring, watchdog and investigative activities. A sustainable dialogue between CSOs and the Government will be developed with the participation of CSOs, to strengthen the anti-corruption institutional mechanisms.

“Citizens’ Participation in the Decision Making Processes of Local Self-Governance Bodies: Introduction of EU Experience” project was financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. The Project was implemented by the AYLA in cooperation with partners – Georgian Young Lawyers Association NGO (GYLA) and Agora Central Europe NGO. The project implementation started on May 1, 2014 and ended on August 31, 2014. In the framework of the Project the citizens` participation in the decision-making processes of Local Self-Governance Bodies (LSGB) was studied, as well as the the best practices of the EU member Czech Republic in implementing a public control over the activities of the Local Self-Governance Bodies in order to insert these practices in Armenia. The level of citizens` participation in the decision making processes of the local self-governance bodies of Armenia and Georgia was raised and the capacities for citizens` public control over the LSGB activities were developed by applying the best EU practices.

“The 2014 Philip Jessup International Law Moot Court” Competition. Students of law schools and departments of law of other higher educational institutions of Armenia took part in the Competition. The team of students representing the Armenian-Russian (Slavonic) University was recognized as the winner of the Armenian National Round. The team took part in the International round of the competition in Washington (Capital of the USA) in April 2014. Students` teams from around 90 countries of the world were participating in this Round.

The Competition was co-organized by the Law Foundation of Armenia, Armenian Young Lawyers Association, “LEGAL ALLIANCE” Law Firm, and the RA Judicial Department supported the organization of the Competition this year.

To ensure the development of the “P. Jessup International Law Moot Court” Competition and strengthen the relations with the law students, the coordinators and members of the Jessup Club in Armenia held several meetings with the law students of higher educational institutions in Yerevan and the RA regions.

“Summer School on European Law”. In the framework of the project the AYLA and the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation (IRZ Foundation) held the second Summer school on European Law. The number of participants at the School was 29. The main objective of the Summer School is to provide opportunities for the participants to study the European law, European mechanisms for human rights protection, the activities of the European Court of Human Rights more deeply throughout the 5 days of the School. The Summer School took place in Aghveran on 14-18 July. Best Armenian and German experts gave lectures at the School.

The information partner of the Summer School was the Iravaban.net independent professional news website.

“Anti-Corruption and Integrity Fall School”. The establishment of the Fall School became possible due to the joint efforts of the AYLA, the Law Students` Division of AYLA and the OSCE Yerevan Office. 20 young lawyers and law students interested in the fight against corruption and dissemination of the principles of integrity were given the chance to take part in the Fall School and were united under one idea.

The Fall School was organized by the financial contribution of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, and Iravaban.net was the information partner of the Fall School.

AYLA is a member of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Coalition.

The Armenian Young Lawyers Association which is one of the effective and prestigious professional organizations working in the Armenian anti-corruption sphere will hereafter have its contribution to the implementation of the goals of the UNCAC Coalition.

AYLA has become the member of the UNCAC Coalition and has the opportunity to participate in the activities of the Coalition, in its conferences, to post articles on the official website of the Coalition, to cooperate with other member organizations of the Coalition, as well as to participate in the elections of the Coordination Committee.

AYLA was granted a Special consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

By the decision of the UN Economic and Social Council from July 21, 2014 the Armenian Young Lawyers Association is in Special Consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN.

With the Special Consultative status AYLA gained series of rights and privileges. Specifically, this status enables to be informed about the provisional agenda of ECOSOC, to make a request to the Secretary General to place items of special interest in the provisional agenda of the Council. In addition to other privileges, AYLA is enabled to attend the meetings and to access the United Nations and designate official representatives to the United Nations headquarters in New York and United Nations offices in Geneva and Vienna.

The concept on “The Fight against Corruption in the System of Public Administration” was presented to the Civil Society.

On 29 April 2014 a CSO-Government working meeting on the “Presentation of the Concept on “The fight against corruption in the system of public administration” was held by the AYLA and the Freedom of Information Center in the framework of the EU-funded “Multi-Faceted Anti-Corruption Promotion” Project. Representatives from the Staff of the RA President, state and law-enforcement bodies, international and non-governmental NGOs, Mass Media took part in the Meeting. According to the AYLA, the Concept is overall well-designed, but 3 fundamental provisions should be reflected in the RA Anti-Corruption Strategy to be developed on its basis: the rights of the whistle-blowers should be protected and promoted, independent specialized anti-corruption body should be established, the institute of the illicit enrichment criminalization should be inserted.

Anti-Corruption Coalition of the CSOs was established in Armenia

On 28 November 2014 an anti-corruption event was organized in Yerevan by the AYLA in the framework of the “Multi-Faceted Anti-Corruption Promotion” Project, and Anti-Corruption Coalition composed of 70 civil society organizations (CSOs) was established in Armenia. The establishment of the Anti-Corruption Coalition aims to contribute to the efficiency of the anti-corruption struggle in Armenia. The aims of the Anti-Corruption Coalition of CSOs are:

To increase effective CSO oversight of the government’s anti-corruption reform strategy
To assist to strengthening and development of anti-corruption institutional mechanisms
To promote the anti-corruption perception and awareness among the public and to support to the rights protection of the corruption victims
To strengthen the anti-corruption monitoring and public surveillance abilities of CSOs and their capacity to carry out anti-corruption activities.

After the Ceremony of the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Coalition its members referred to the RA 2014-2018 draft anti-corruption strategy. The CSO representatives unanimously adopted a Message, with which they applied to the RA Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan requesting to include in the draft the social security sphere, criminalization of the illicit enrichment, as well as to expand the representation of CSOs up to 5 instead of the current 2 places in the composition of the Anti-Corruption Council, which will adopt the Strategy, and in addition to establish an Independent Anti-Corruption Commission.

“Break the Corruption Chain”. Anti-Corruption Award Ceremony in Yerevan

Break the corruption chain. Under this slogan of the Anti-Corruption campaign of the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Coalition, anti-corruption events took place in Yerevan on the occasion of the International Anti-Corruption Day. The AYLA jointly with the Anti-Corruption Coalition of CSOs held an annual award ceremony. The event was launched with an anti-corruption flash mob: a group of youngsters called on the participants to fight against corruption, concluding the flash mob with the slogan of the day.

The Annual Anti-Corruption Award Ceremony started with the screening of short videos. Three nominations for anti-corruption awards have been set: Citizen, Journalist and Civil Society Organization of the year. For his principled stance and work-style in terms of protection of the violated rights Hrachya Avetisyan was granted the anti-corruption award “Citizen of the Year”. For fighting against corruption with satire, the journalists of the “Revisor” project of the Comedy show “ArmComedy” of “ArmNews” TV Channel were granted with the anti-corruption award “Journalist of the Year”. For principled stance and work-style in terms of protection of the rights of advocates the RA Chamber of Advocates was granted the anti-corruption award “Civil Society Organization of the Year”.

After the event an awareness action was held in the central streets of the capital city under the slogan “Break the Corruption Chain”. The students and volunteers of the Law Students` Division of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association informed the citizens about the campaign and the slogans, implementing a poll. Overall 100 citizens took part in the poll.

VII. STATISTICS OF THE IMPLEMENTED ACTIVITIES

In 2014 the AYLA Central and Regional Offices and Anti-Corruption Centers provided the following services in the scope of all the implemented projects.

Free legal advice and advocacy services

In 2014 the AYLA Regional Offices and Anti-Corruption Centers provided to the population free legal advice (including also composing of written documents, representation in various state and local bodies) and services of court representation. Altogether 1373 people applied for such services. 1365 or 99.42% of the total number of people who applied for free legal advice and advocacy services, were physical persons, and 8 or 0.58% were juridical persons.

570 beneficiaries or 41.52% were female, 795 beneficiaries or 57.9% were male. 8 or 0.58% were juridical persons.

Statistics by the type of beneficiaries

Type	Number	%
Physical persons	1365	99.42
Juridical persons	8	0.58
Total	1373	100

Gender	Number	%
Female	570	41.52
Male	795	57.9
Juridical persons	8	0.58
Total	1373	100

The schematic picture of the provided services by the spheres of law is as follows:

Free legal advice and advocacy services

Sphere of free legal services	Number of beneficiaries per sphere	Percentage of beneficiaries (%)
Labour	94	6.85
Family	119	8.67
Social Security	97	7.06
Civil Rights	362	26.37
Civil Procedure	80	5.83
Administrative	66	4.81
Criminal Law	47	3.42
Land Ownership	24	1.75
Healthcare	33	2.40
Education and Science	21	1.53
Criminal Procedure	62	4.52
Cases involving Corruption Risks	232	16.90
Other Legal Issues	136	9.91
TOTAL	1373	100

VIII. FINANCIAL REPORTS ON THE FINANCIAL ASSETS OF THE ARMENIAN YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION FOR 2014

Other Operating Expenditures

AMD ths.

	2014	2013

Salaries	89,787,326.00	149,514,648.00
Vacation Allowances	10,705,491.00
Materials	60,000.00	–
Goods	5,023,523.00	4,757,981.00
Fuel	1,500,300.00	3,873,999.10
Provision of Services	8,170,736.75	22,186,724.00
State Duties	12,000.00	176,320.00
Property Tax	73,744.00	393,902.00
Rental Costs	2,508,991.49	8,381,267.00
Postage and Communication	5,290,064.63	4,721,380.07
Office and other Utilities	1,410,243.00	2,431,650.00
Bank Services	161,691.12	89,640.92
Annual Depreciation and Amortization	7,503,777.89	10,763,424.87
Travel	439,032.00	905,550.00
Other Operating Expenditures (Audit and Consultancy Services)	2,456,000.00	2,568,000.00
Other Operating Expenditures (Conversion)
Force Major
Advertisement
Court Costs	5,400.00	5,400.00


*Total*	135,102,920.88	212,773,598.12

IX. AYLA BOARD

The Board of the AYLA 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 XI General Meeting on 4 December 2014. By the decision of the General Meeting the number of the Board members was reduced from 11 to 7. The General Meeting elected the Board of the Organization as follows:

Name, Surname		Title
Karen Zadoyan		AYLA President, Head of AYLA Board
David Abgaryan		AYLA Vice-President, Deputy-Head of AYLA Board
Narine Karapetyan		AYLA Responsible Secretary, Responsible Secretary of AYLA Board
Syuzanna Soghomonyan		AYLA Board Member
Arpine Yeghikyan		AYLA Board Member
Marat Atovmyan		AYLA Board Member
Robert Grigoryan		AYLA Board Member