ANNUAL REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ARMENIAN YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION FOR 2006
| CONTENT | |
| 1. | ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE ARMENIAN YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION |
| 2. | INTRODUCTION |
| 3. | AYLA MISSION AND VALUES |
| 4. | AYLA TEAM |
| 5. | COOPERATION |
| 6. | AYLA PROJECTS |
| 7. | STATISTICS OF IMPLEMENTED ACTIVITIES |
| 8. | THE EXTERNAL AUDIT CONCLUSION AND FINANCIAL REPROTS ON THE FINANCIAL ASSETS OF THE ARMENIAN YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION FOR 2006 |
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| 9. | AYLA ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE |
| 10 | AYLA BOARD |
| 11 | CONTACTS |
- ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE ARMENIAN YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
Dear Friends and Associates,
We have the pleasure to introduce to your attention the Annual Report on the activities of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association for 2006. This is a brief introduction of the organization, its current activities, projects and financial reports. The AYLA Annual Report is the evidence of the fact that the organization attaches importance and strives to ensure the transparency of its activities and reporting.
In 2006 the AYLA accomplished the work, which was anticipated in its Strategic Plan 2004-2006.
During 2006 AYLA realized notable activities through the network of its offices aimed at fulfillment of one of the most essential directions of its strategic plan: raising the level of legal consciousness and legal awareness of the population. The organization published and disseminated information leaflets on the protection of the human rights and their mechanism, as well as provided free legal services. AYLA also organized conferences and series of training courses on different themes aimed at educating and improving the professional skills of the lawyers of new generation. Law students from the regions and Yerevan attended these events. The AYLA started publication of the Legal Newsletter. The first seven issues of this professional periodical, which has a rather important mission in the legal sphere of the Republic of Armenia, were published. Establishment of the Jessup Club of Armenia (JCA) was another important event, which the AYLA realized in 2006. The JCA is a rather important step for ensuring sustainability of the Jessup Competition in Armenia and increasing the involvement of the law students in the sphere of the international law.
In 2006 AYLA in cooperation with its partners undertook and realized another important task as well, and implemented an ADR Project aimed at development of the mechanisms for Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Republic of Armenia and established Mediation Court and Mediation Project.
AYLA held its General Assembly in 2006, which elected the Governing Body and the Board of the organization for the coming two years, who undertook their responsibilities and will work to ensure the further activities of the organization and promote its consistent development.
I would also like to emphasize that this year in addition to the annual self assessment and planning activities which AYLA realizes on annual basis, the organization carried out an independent external evaluation as well. The independent expert evaluated the AYLA strength and sustainability, its role and efficiency in the legal field of the RA and in the context of the protection of human rights. The results of the external evaluation will be used for the future long term strategic planning of the AYLA.
I would like to express my gratitude to all the AYLA members and staff, our supporters and colleagues, as well as media representatives and the AYLA beneficiaries for their support and assistance. Our joint efforts are a passport to success for realization of the AYLA mission and goals, raising the efficiency of the organization’s activities, and eventually to realization of irrevocable reforms in the legal field of the Republic of Armenia.
I am sure we still have a lot of work to do, and the Armenian Young Lawyers Association will continue carrying on its activities with new inspiration, and with the help of its supporters will continue its unbiased work to promote the protection of human rights, establishment of rule of law, and the formation of the legal state in the Republic of Armenia..
Respects,
Karen Zadoyan,
Advocate,
President of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association
- INTRODUCTION
The Armenian Young Lawyers Association, which is already an established, sustainable and powerful structure that has its creditable role in the public life of Armenia, has an eleven years history. The AYLA was established in 1995 in Yerevan. Since its establishment, the organization determined its primary activities, which must be realized, and started to work in the legal and public fields of the RA having the aim to defend the rights of the population, development of the young lawyers, and form a civil society. Soon the AYLA increased its membership, as well as expanded the range of its partners and its geography through founding offices in the RA provinces, which made accessible the organization’s services to the population of the regions as well. 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.
The organization is constant in ensuring the transparency and accountability of its activities. Therefore, we have the pleasure to introduce to the attention of our partners, beneficiaries, members and other individuals 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.
- AYLA 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.
- 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 eleven years already, the AYLA team has been continuously and with great devotion carrying out activities. They bring new breath to the structure and step forward with new undertakings and professionalism for the achievement of the Organization’s Mission. 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. The team realizes the importance of the ideology and values of the structure and always relies on them during their work.
- COOPERATION
The Interchurch Organization 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 organize dignified housing and living conditions. AYLA has established cooperation with ICCO since 2005.
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 Embassy of the United States of America in Armenia was founded in 1992. The Embassy realizes 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.
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.
The “Foundation for Small and Medium Businesses” (FSMB) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in 1998 and dedicated to enhance the formation and growth of small and medium sized business sector in Armenia by developing and sponsoring high-qualified assistance to small and medium businesses; helping business people and organizations to share resources, knowledge and experience and encouraging them in developing cooperation and partnership. The goal of FSMB is to improve the business environment by higher ethical standards of practice, better methods, increased efficiency and broader knowledge. FSMB provides services for business community to share resources, expertise, and problem solving in international business. The Foundation helps the small and medium sized entrepreneurs to form new strategic alliances and gain a wide perspective on conditions in all fields of endeavors. The Foundation cooperates with different local and international organizations. FSMB is one of the founding and active members of the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (now Forum) of Non-Governmental Organizations, which was established in 2001, and has participated in Anti-Corruption Strategy of RA development process.
“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.
Center for Public Dialogue and Development NGO (CPDD) has started its activities in September 2002.
The main aim of CPDD activities is enhancing healthy public dialogue around existing painful and actual problems, making the ongoing reforms more transparent for the public, and integration to the regional and European community. Since its establishment the organization has carried out over 70 seminars and roundtable discussions, as well as published booklets. The CPPD cooperates with the US Embassy in Armenia and the All Armenian Fund. Currently the Center is implementing a number of projects, which are aimed at enhancing cooperation between the NGOs.
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 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.
The range of the AYLA partners and associates is growing constantly. Currently the AYLA cooperates with over 50 NGOs, as well as with a dozen of international and foreign organizations. The organization cooperates with different state structures, RA Government, the staff of the President of the RA, the institutes of judiciary system and others.
AYLA consolidates its links with the partners and strives to establish and promotes the establishment of new cooperation between AYLA and other organizations.
The AYLA President hosted in AYLA’s Central Office Ms Zwaantje van’t Veer, Program Officer for Europe and Central Asia of Dutch ICCO organization; Mr. David S. Bernstein, Senior Public Sector Specialist of the World Bank Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Department for Europe and Central Asia Region and Mr. Davit Melikyan, Operation Analyst of the Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Unit, and the First Secretary of the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Georgia and Armenia Ms Janet Alberda, Deputy Head of Mission; the representatives of Royal Netherlands Embassy in Georgia and Armenia, Ms Camilla Veerman, the Second Secretary of the Embassy and Ms Sophiko Gelashvili, Civil Society Programme Manager (MATRA), Mr. Thomas D. Mittnacht, Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy and Ms Naira Gyulnazaryan, Grants Manager of Public Affairs Department of the US Embassy; Ms Karlier Annelieke, CRI program representative of Caritas International. The meetings obviously indicate the interest of different international organizations in AYLA and outline the expansion of the range of partners. This will be of great importance for the development of the organization and efficient realization of projects.
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.
- AYLA PROJECTS
Advocacy of Human Rights and AYLA Strengthening Program was implemented with the financial support of Dutch Interchurch Organization for development Cooperation (ICCO). The project was aimed at retraining of the lawyers and the members of professional organizations of lawyers in the spheres of the protection of human rights, as well as to publish and disseminate 15 titles of accessible legal leaflets on human rights, training of trainers on the human rights and the mechanisms of human rights protection, organization of seminars on human rights and the mechanisms of human rights protection, providing free legal and information services and free legal aid to the socially vulnerable layers of the population (in particular in the regions). Young lawyers and law students were trained within the frame of the project, and were informed of the changes and amendments in legislation. After the training courses they organized and conducted seminars on raising public awareness for the pupils of senior classes, students, community members. The lawyers, law students, and other individuals interested in law gained opportunity to use free legal resources within the frame of the project as well.
The 2006 Philip Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is being organized by the International Law Students Association (ILSA) since 1959. Student’s teams of the law schools and the departments of law of other institutes worldwide take part in the Competition. In February 2006 AYLA organized the Armenian Round of the 2006 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. Student’s teams of the law schools and the departments of law of other institutes of Armenia took part in the competition. The winner of the Armenian National Round the students’ team of the law department of the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) State University took part in the International Round of the 2006 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition on 26 March – April 2, 2006 in Washington, US. 99 teams from different countries of the world attended the international round. The Armenian team was the 89th after the Final Preliminary Rounds. The achievement of the Armenian team was notable in the Competition of the Written Memorials. The Memorial of the Armenian team was the 16th in the 2006 Sherman & Sterling International Rounds and it was the 19th in Hardy C. Dillard Competition, which brings together the top Memorials from each of the National and Regional Competition, regardless whether the authoring team advances to the Sherman & Sterling International Rounds. The details on the Competition are available on the official website of “Philip Jessup Law Moot Court Competition Armenian Round” at http://jessup.ayla.am.
Development of Mediation Institute in the Republic of Armenia: An Eurasia Foundation funded project, which is implemented with the technical support of ABA/CEELI and in cooperation with Foundation for Small and Medium Businesses (FSMB) project started on 20 July 2005 and was continued in 2006 as well. The project is aimed at the development of 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 through providing them mediation guidelines, procedures, and a code of ethics for mediators. This will enable the SME representatives to solve the disputes by means alternative dispute resolution. AYLA published three titles of information leaflets, including “Development of Mediation Institute in the Republic of Armenia” project, Mediation and Arbitration Courts, and Methods for Alternative Dispute Resolution. The organization also published the guidebook “Mechanisms for Alternative Dispute Resolution.” The leaflets and the guidebook are disseminated freely among the interested organizations and individuals. In the framework of the project AYLA realized free legal advice services for the SME representatives, as well as the practicing lawyers on the moot issues arising during their entrepreneurial activities. AYLA organized mediation training and seminars for mediators (SME representatives, lawyers and law students) with the support of ABA/CEELI experts. In addition AYLA through its office network has organized seminars on alternative dispute resolution for the SME representatives, law students and lawyers. AYLA in cooperation with FSMB has formed a mediation court. AYLA launched the webpage (http://arbitration.ayla.am) of the project as well; where you may find the details of the project.
Development of the Mechanisms for the Protection of Human Rights and Raising Legal Awareness in the Republic of Armenia: AYLA started project implementation on 1 June 2006, with the financial support of Dutch Interchurch Organization for development Cooperation (ICCO). The project is aimed at implementing development programs for raising the legal awareness of the population, as well as the sphere of the protection of human rights, establishment of the Justice system and the civil society and strengthening of AYLA’s internal organizational capacity. AYLA has already published 50 titles of information leaflets, on the protection of everyday human rights, as well as the mechanisms for the protection of human rights. The leaflets are disseminated among the population of the rural districts of the RA. The trained volunteer trainers in the framework of the project are carrying out seminars for the pupils of the senior classes of the public schools, students, employees of different organizations, as well as for the community members on the themes included in the leaflets. AYLA continues providing free legal advice services to the socially vulnerable layers of the population in the framework of this project as well through the network of its regional offices. The practicing lawyers, law students and other individuals that are interested in law, gain opportunity to use AYLA legal resources in the framework of the project. The AYLA publishes the monthly Legal Newsletter within the frame of the project, which is disseminated among the young lawyers, law students, advocates, judges and other interested persons and entities in Yerevan and in the regions. The newsletter raises the problems that exist in the legal sphere of the Republic of Armenia and suggests serious expert opinions, analysis and surveys on the issues of the protection of human rights. It also advocates professional ethics for the judges, advocates and representatives of the law enforcement bodies. It is aimed to introduce the current international legal practice and to promote the education and formation of the new generation of lawyers. The Newsletter provides opportunity to everyone to publish their articles, analysis and opinions on the current problems that exist in the legal field, thus promoting to publicize the current vital problems and to suggest the ways for their solution.
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 leveraged by ICCO Holland and was continued in the third quarter of 2006 as well. 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 program promotes to raising the level of legal consciousness of the population through organizing public hearings with the involvement of the representatives of the local self-government, and thus insuring their awareness of the beneficiaries on the activities of the local self-government and insuring their participation in the community life. AYLA publishes the project’s Newsletter, which is disseminated freely among the rural population of the regions.
Publicizing of the New Constitutional Provisions and Corresponding Legal Amendments: AYLA implemented the project in April 2006. The project was aimed at publicizing of the new constitutional provisions and the amendments to the laws. AYLA Yerevan and regional offices organized seminars on the constitutional provisions, as well as corresponding legal amendments for the young lawyers in the framework of the project. After graduating the training course, the lawyers conducted seminars on voluntary basis in schools, institutes, communities and different entities. AYLA organized a Republican Scientific Conference, which discussed the new constitutional provisions as well as corresponding legal amendments and judicial reforms. The project implementation promoted to raising the educational and professional level of the young lawyers, as well as provided opportunity to raise the legal awareness of the public on the new constitutional provisions and corresponding legal amendments.
AYLA Self Assessment 2005 and Review of the AYLA Strategic Plan On 11 – 12 February, 2006 Armenian Young Lawyers Association organized a self-assessment workshop and a seminar to review the AYLA Strategic Plan, which took place in AYLA central Office in Yerevan. AYLA members, volunteers, representatives of the staff, as well as of the AYLA Board and from partner organizations attended the seminar. In the result of the discussions the participants revealed the infrastructures that needed special attention. Based on these results the participants elaborated the Organization’s Development Plan 2006, which was aimed at strengthening those infrastructures. In result of the discussion the participants summarized the results of AYLA’s activities in 2005 and analyzed the 4 strategic directions of the organization, and introduced suggestions and comments on their review and changes.
Jessup Club of Armenia: The First Meeting of the Jessup Club of Armenia, which was established by the Armenian Young Lawyers Association, was held in Yerevan Hotel on 7 April 2006. Members of the Armenian teams who participated in the Jessup International Rounds of 2001 – 2006, as well as judges, team coaches and AYLA members participated in the meeting. The first meeting of the Jessup Club of Armenia was aimed at forming the Board of the Club. Nelly Harutyunyan and Ara Zohrabyan, judges of the Competition; Yeghishe Kirakosyan and Sargis Knyazyan, members of winner teams of the Armenian rounds of different years; and Hrachya Marangulyan, coach of the winner team of the Armenian Round of 2006 were elected.
The first meeting of the Board of JCA was held on 5 May 2006 in the AYLA Central Office.
On 10 July 2006, a group of the members of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association (AYLA) and the Jessup Club of Armenia (JCA) met with Mr. Vardan Oskanian, Republic of Armenia Minister of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was held in the building of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was aimed at introducing the activities of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association and JCA, and to hear the latest news concerning the RA foreign policy, and in particular the latest developments referring to the developments of Karabakh Conflict regulation, Armenia’s position concerning this issue, and the details of the discussed documents, as well as the possible future developments in the conflict resolution. Mr. Vardan Oskanian was announced an honorary member of the Jessup Club of Armenia and received the certificate.
Major Court Case: On 17 November 2005, a group of employees from four Departments of ArmenTel Company organization of a two-hour preventive strike to protect their violated labor, professional and social rights. After the preventive strike, the employees that had initiated the strike began to be chased. In result the major part of employees mentioned above employees were dismissed from work. The ArmenTel employees who had no legal knowledge, applied to the Armenian Young Lawyers Association (AYLA) with a request to provide them legal support. The AYLA satisfied their request and provided lawyers to protect the rights of the organizers and participants of the preventive strike in the Court of the First Instance of Arabkir and Kanaker-Zeytun Community free of charge. The parties also agreed that AYLA would provide free legal, as well as advocatory services to the participants of the strike. AYLA assigned its member and advocate Miss Liana Harutyunyan, a young lawyer with professional background and knowledge as a coordinator of this case. She continues this rather complicated case up till now, with the devotion and kind heartiness. The AYLA lawyers Gevorg Gyozalyan and Arpine Yeghikyan support her in this case as well.
Without waiting to the final verdict of the court “ArmenTel” dismissed the heads of two departments. On 23 November 2005, and on 9 December 2005 ArmenTel terminated the labor contracts of the heads of two departments Andranik Ghukasyan and Armen Abrahamyan respectively. Their violated labor rights were restored by the court decision due to the consistent and devoted work of AYLA. Misak Simonyan, another participant of the preventive strike, was illegally dismissed form the office on 16 October 2006, and on 16 December 2006 with support of AYLA he brought a claim to the court. After negotiations with ArmenTel Management Mr. Simonyan agreed to take back his claim and was restored in his place.
On 18 October 2006 the ArmenTel Employees H.Kharatyan, A.Ghukasyan and A.Abrahamyan who had organized the preventive strike issued a corresponding claim to the Constitutional Court of the RA, with the support of Liana Harutyunyan, the AYLA lawyer. The claim argued validity of Article 73 of the RA Labor Code, which the Cassation Court of the RA had applied. The claim was accepted into the court proceeding by the Constitutional Court of the RA.
ArmenTel employees H who had organized the preventive strike issued a corresponding claim to the European Court of Human Rights, with the support of Liana Harutyunyan, the AYLA lawyer. The Court has received it and assigned the corresponding number to the claim.
On 7 June 2006 “ArmenTel” Company illegally dismissed 12 other employees who had participated in the preventive strike. The employees, supported by Miss Liana Harutyunyan, submitted a claim to the Court of the First Instance of Arabkir and Kanaker-Zeytun Community of Yerevan. On 3 August 2006 the court dismissed the claims of all the applicants. Naturally the applicants decided to appeal the decision in the court of appellate jurisdiction, which on 16 November 2006 decided to deny the case of the claim of A.Torosyan, A.Boynagryan, G.Gharagyozayan, A.Afyan, G. Manukyan, V.Minasyan, A.Ghukasyan, K.Levonyan, A.Galoyan, N.Andreasyan, L.Mirzoyan, S.Grigoryan v. ArmenTel CJSC on recognizing the orders of their dismissal invalid, and on rehabilitation of their work places, and payment of their forced outage. The case is still in process and soon the 12 employees will apply to the Court of Cassation with a claim against the 16 November 2006 decision of the RA Court of Appeal.
On 9 November 2006 Harutyun Kharatyan, Head of the Preventive Strike Committee, who is also the Chairperson of “Faith” Trade Union, was illegally dismissed from work by “ArmenTel” Company. On 9 December 2006 Mr. Kharatyan applied to the Court of the First Instance of Arabkir and Kanaker-Zeytun Community of Yerevan with a claim to recognize illegal the order of his dismissal.
The Armenian Young Lawyers Association is confident that it will bring the case on the protection of violated labor rights of ArmenTel employees till final victory, and all those who have been dismissed illegally will be restored in their places. In addition the officials and advisors from ArmenTel who had initiated these lawless actions will be punished.
“Youth, Reality, Perspectives” Youth Conference: On 13 – 15 July 2006 the Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs in cooperation with the Center for Organization of Youth Affairs organized a Conference “Youth, Reality, Perspectives.” Parallel to the Conference the participants also were involved in the working groups, which referred to the youth related issues. The State Youth Report was introduced during the Conference as well. Mr. Karen Zadoyan, President of the AYLA introduced the legal sphere of the Report. AYLA was awarded a diploma of the Armenian PR Association for professional and substantial information in the exhibition of “Fair of the Ideas.”
International Anti-Corruption Conference: An International Conference on “Strengthening Cooperation between the National Assembly, Civil Society and the Media in the Fight against Corruption” was held in the session hall of the National Assembly of the RA on April 6-7, 2006. The National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, the Eurasia Foundation Representative Office in Armenia, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Yerevan Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OCSE) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) organized the conference jointly. The Conference was aimed at introducing the role of cooperation between the National Assembly and Civil Society in the context of the struggle against corruption. Over 130 representatives of the non-governmental sector as well as about 30 representatives from international organizations, foreign advisors and experts were invited to the Conference. Miss Mary Yeganyan, Public Relations Coordinator of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association, attended the Conference as well.
The General Assembly of CRINGO Network: The General Assembly of the Caucasian Refugee and IDP NGO Network (CRINGO Network) was held on 18-21 April 2006 in Gudauri, Georgia. Miss Gayane Marukhyan, member of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association represented AYLA in this forum, which was aimed at elaborating the ways for raising the level of the Network operations.
Internship Program 2006: The Armenian Young Lawyers Association (AYLA) in cooperation with Birthright Armenia/Depi Hayk Foundation has been implementing Internship Program for the Armenian law students of Diaspora for two years already. This year AYLA has hosted two volunteers from Diaspora: Miss Tatevik Grigorian student of the London School of Economics and Political Science, and Miss Shogher Margossian, student of Lebanese University of Higher Education. The students have got involved in AYLA life and are supporting AYLA activities with devotion. Miss Lilit Kazarian from Washington University made her internship with AYLA as well.
Republican Scientific Conference for the Law Students “The Republic of Armenia Constitution on the Way of Establishment of the Civil Society”: The oral round of the Republican Scientific Conference for the law students and young lawyers “The Republic of Armenia Constitution on the Way of Establishment of the Civil Society,” which was organized by the Armenian Young Lawyers Association with the support of Center for Public Dialogue and Development, in the framework of the project implemented with funds provided from the Republic of Armenia State Budget was held on 25 October 2006. The Conference was supported by the Law Foundation of Armenia and “LEGAL ALLIANCE” Law Firm. Hayk Karapetyan, the first year student of Magistrate of the Law Department of Yerevan State University won the first prize and was announced the “Best Oralist” as well. The work of the Conference was covered by the Armenian mass media.
Third Scientific Conference for the Law Students “Advocacy: Current State and Prospects for its Development in the Republic of Armenia,” which was organized by the Armenian Young Lawyers Association took place on 14 November 2006. Gevorg Martirosyan, a 4th year student of the French University, was recognized “The Best Oralist” and the winner of the Competition.
The Law Foundation of Armenia and “LEGAL ALLIANCE” Law Firm sponsored the Conference. “Yerevan” TV Company and newspaper “Aravot” Daily covered the work of the Conference.
AYLA External Evaluation: On 10 through 22 December 2006 Drs. Dorothea van Bakelen, independent evaluator from Netherlands, carried out the external evaluation of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association. During her stay in Armenia Mrs. van Bakelen visited the AYLA offices in Yerevan, as well as in the regions, where she met with the staff, AYLA members, volunteers, heads of the AYLA committees and AYLA Board members. She held interviews with the AYLA stakeholders, representatives of Yerevan and regional state structures, NGOs, judiciary and police structures, mass media and beneficiaries as well. The main issue discussed during the meetings and interviews referred to the existing state of human rights in Armenia and the effect of AYLA’s activities on it. They also discussed the possible input of other interested structures in this process. Mrs. van Bakelen will summarize the results of the discussions and provide the report to the AYLA, which, the organization will use as a basis for the elaboration of its new strategic plan.
- STATISTICS OF IMPLEMENTED ACTIVITIES
In 2006 the AYLA Central and regional offices provided the following services in the scope of work of all the implemented projects:
Provision of legal resources
During the 2006 AYLA offices provided the following services in the framework of different projects.
Provision of legal resources
- a) Provision of modern legal literature
- b) Provision of legal video production
- c) Provision of computer, fax, e-mail and Internet services
- d) Provision of RA legislative computer software program
4513 people made use of the legal resources of AYLA in 2006. 3505 people (77.66%) used the legal literature, and 1008 people (22.34%) used the Armenian legislative computer software program and the other services (computer, Internet and fax):
| Type | number | % | ||
| legal literature | 3505 | 77.66 | ||
| computer systems | 1008 | 22.34 | ||
| total | 4513 | 100 |
1328 people or 29.42% of the users are male and 3185 or 70.58% are female.
| Sex | number | % | ||
| female | 3185 | 70.58 | ||
| male | 1328 | 29.42 | ||
| total | 4513 | 100 |
Organization of Seminars and Trainings
Seminars on Human Rights and the Mechanisms for their Protection
In 2006 the AYLA 7 offices organized and conducted 7 seminars in the framework of the project “Advocacy of Human Rights and AYLA Strengthening Program.” 42 volunteer trainers were trained. After the seminars the volunteer trainers conducted similar seminars in the schools, institutes and different communities of the Republic of Armenia.
Seminars on Mediation and Mediation Court
In the framework of project “Development of Mediation Institute in the Republic of Armenia” The AYLA Central and regional Branch offices conducted one day trainings for SME representatives, lawyers and law students aimed at educating them on ADR. In 2006 AYLA 7 offices organized and conducted 18 trainings of which 6 were conducted in the central Office and 2 trainings were conducted in each of the 7 regional offices. 135 lawyers and law students and 135 SME representatives from Yerevan and the regions attended the trainings.
Seminars on Publicizing of New Constitutional Provisions and Corresponding Legal Amendments
In 2006 the AYLA 7 offices organized and conducted 6 training courses consisting of 8 seminars each on the new constitutional provisions and corresponding legal amendments in the framework of the project “Publicizing of New Constitutional Provisions and Corresponding Legal Amendments.” 336 seminars were organized and conducted altogether and 252 volunteer trainers passed training. After the seminars the volunteer trainers conducted similar seminars in the schools, institutes and different communities of the Republic of Armenia.
Development of the Mechanisms for the Protection of Human Rights and Raising Legal Awareness in the Republic of Armenia: In the framework of the project AYLA 7 offices organized and conducted 1 training course, which consisted of 17 seminars and 1 training course, which consisted of 13 seminars on the fundamental and every day human rights and the mechanisms for their protection. Altogether 210 seminars were conducted. 84 volunteer trainers were trained, who after the training organized similar and conducted similar seminars in the schools, institutes, representatives of different organizations and community members.
Free legal and advocacy services
In 2006 the AYLA offices provided free legal services and court representation for the representatives of the vulnerable groups of the society. Altogether 3885 people applied for AYLA services. 1610 beneficiaries or 41.44% were male and 2223 beneficiaries or 57.22% were female, 52 clients or 1.33% were the juridical persons.
Percentage of Beneficiaries, by Legal Service, AYLA 2006
| Spheres of the free legal services | Number of beneficiaries per area | Percentage of beneficiaries | ||
| Labor | 410 | 10.55 | ||
| Housing | 143 | 3.68 | ||
| Family | 382 | 9.83 | ||
| Social Security | 370 | 9.52 | ||
| Civil Rights | 1590 | 40.93 | ||
| Civil Procedure | 216 | 5.56 | ||
| Administrative | 124 | 3.19 | ||
| Criminal Law | 126 | 3.24 | ||
| Land Ownership | 166 | 4.27 | ||
| Health | 24 | 0.62 | ||
| Education and Science | 55 | 1.42 | ||
| Environmental Protection | 1 | 0.03 | ||
| Gender Issues (family violence) | 2 | 0.05 | ||
| International Law | 7 | 0.18 | ||
| Criminal procedure | 27 | 0.69 | ||
| Other legal issues | 242 | 6.23 | ||
| TOTAL | 3885 | 100.00 |
Type of the Beneficiaries of AYLA Legal Service
| Type | Number | % | ||
| Physical person | 3833 | 98.67 | ||
| Juridical person | 52 | 1.33 | ||
| Total | 3885 | 100 |
Sex of the Beneficiaries of AYLA Legal Service
| Sex | Number | % | |||
| female | 2223 | 57.99 | |||
| male | 1610 | 42.01 | |||
| Total | 3833 | 100 | |||
- THE EXTERNAL AUDIT CONCLUSION AND FINANCIAL REPORTS ON THE FINANCIAL ASSETS OF THE ARMENIAN YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION FOR 2006
“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, 2006, and the related statements of financial results and cash flows for the year then ended as well as the accuracy of expenditures of the project “Development of the Mechanisms of Human Rights Protection and Legal Competence in Armenia” on the cash basis for the period of 01.01.2007-30.06.2007 from the Donor’s viewpoint. 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 Standards on Audit and professional 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 statements presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
AUDITOR’S OPINION ON THE FINANCIAL REPORTS
In our opinion, the financial statements of the “Armenian Young Lawyers Association” non-governmental organization present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the organization as of 31 December 2006, 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”.
BALANCE SHEET
31 December 2006
| ASSETS | Notes | 2006 | 2005 | |||
| Non-Current Assets | ||||||
| Capital Assets | 3 | 42,098 | 35,399 | |||
| Intangible Assets | 4 | 124 | 142 | |||
| Investments calculated on equity basis | 5 | 13 | – | |||
| Total Non Current Assets | 42,235 | 35,541 | ||||
| Current Assets | ||||||
| Current receivables and prepayments | 6 | 136 | 320 | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 7 | 14,114 | 4,134 | |||
| Other current assets | 8 | 19 | – | |||
| Total Current Assets | 14,269 | 4,454 | ||||
| BALANCE | 56,504 | 39,995 | ||||
| LIABILITIES | ||||||
| Equity | ||||||
| Accumulated profit(loss) | 130 | 64 | ||||
| Total Equity | 130 | 64 | ||||
| Non -Current Assets | ||||||
| Grants related to Assets | 9 | 42,222 | – | |||
| Total Non-Current Assets | 42,222 | – | ||||
| Current Liabilities | ||||||
| Current accounts payable | 10 | 1 | 702 | |||
| Grants related to income | 11 | 14,151 | 39,229 | |||
| Total Current Liabilities | 14,152 | 39,931 | ||||
| BALANCE | 56,504 | 39,995 |
Income Statement
01.01.2006-31.12.2006
AMD ths.
| Notes | 2006 | 2005 | ||||
| Other Operating Income, including | 51,966 | 67,263 | ||||
| Grants | 51,480 | 66,673 | ||||
| Membership fees | 486 | 590 | ||||
| Other Operating Expenses, including | 12 | (51,359) | (65,612) | |||
| Grants | (50,940) | (64,321) | ||||
| Membership fees | 12.1 | (419) | (1,291) | |||
| Operating Profit(Loss) | 607 | 1,651 | ||||
| Other non-operating income (loss) | 13 | (541) | (2,351) | |||
| Income (loss) from ordinary activity | 66 | (700) |
Cash Flow Statement
01.01.2006-31.12.2006
AMD ths.
| 2006 | 2005 | |||
| Cash flow from operating activities | ||||
| Net result of the reporting year | 66 | (700) | ||
| Annual depreciation of capital assets | 5,665 | 7,849 | ||
| 5,731 | 7,149 | |||
| Changes in working capital | ||||
| Net decrease/(increase) of accounts receivable | 133 | 578 | ||
| Net decrease/( increase) of prepayment | 51 | 2,788 | ||
| Net decrease/(increase) of other current assets | (19) | – | ||
| Net increase /(decrease) of accounts payable | (701) | 656 | ||
| Net inflow/ (outflow) from membership fees | 66 | (700) | ||
| Net inflow/ (outflow) from grants | (25,144) | (24,505) | ||
| Total cash flow from operating activities | (19,883) | (14,034) | ||
| Cash flow from investment activities | ||||
| Changes in capital assets and intangible assets | (12,346) | (1,428) | ||
| Changes in investments accounted for on equity basis | (13) | – | ||
| Total cash flow from investment activities | (12,359) | (1,428) | ||
| Cash flow from financial activities | ||||
| From changes in grants related to assets | 42,222 | – | ||
| Total cash flows from financial activities | 42,222 | – | ||
| Net increase /(decrease) of cash resources | 9,980 | (15,462) | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year | 4,134 | 19,596 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year | 14,114 | 4,134 |
- AYLA ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
- 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 VII General Meeting on December 5, 2006. 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 | |
| Liana Harutyunyan | AYLA Board member, Coordinator of the AYLA Professional Committees | |
| Arpine Yeghikyan | AYLA Board member, National Administrator of the Jessup Competition, Coordinator of the Jessup Club of Armenia |
- CONTACTS
AYLA Central Office
7 Nalbandyan Str. # 2, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia,
Zip Code: 375010,
Phone: (+374 10) 540199
Fax: (+374 10) 580299
E-mail: [email protected]
AYLA Yerevan Branch Office
7 Nalbandyan Str. # 2, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia,
Zip Code: 375010,
Phone: (+374 10) 540199
Fax: (+374 10) 580299
E-mail: [email protected]
AYLA branch office of Gegharkunik region
Town Hall building, 4th floor, Gavar, RA
Phone: (+374 64) 25503
Fax: (+374 64) 25503
E-mail: [email protected]
AYLA Branch Office of Lori Region
82 Vardanants Str., #1, Vanadzor, RA
Phone: (+374 51) 22317
Fax: (+374 51) 22317
E-mail: [email protected]
AYLA branch office of Shirak Region
1 Tigran Mets Str., # 2, Gyumri, RA
Phone: (+374 41) 23812
Fax: (+374 41) 38236
E-mail: [email protected]
AYLA branch office of Syunik Region
1 A. Manukyan Str., #72, Kapan, RA
Phone: (+374 85) 62511
Fax: (+374 85) 62511
E-mail: [email protected]
AYLA Goris Office of Syunik Regional Branch
3 Mashtots Str., 2nd floor, Goris, RA
Phone: (+374 84) 25861
Fax: (+374 84) 25861
E-mail: [email protected]
AYLA Branch Office of Tavush Region
Town Hall Building, Ijevan, RA
Phone: (+374 63) 62499
Fax: (+374 63) 62499
E-mail: [email protected]