Armenian Ombudsman and NGO representatives express concern over  rising tax burden on legal services

ArmInfo. Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan discussed the amendments made to the Tax  Code with representatives of non-governmental organizations. These changes will increase the tax burden for individuals providing legal services.

As reported by the press service of the RA Ombudsman's office, NGO  representatives have expressed concerns about several new  regulations. One major concern is that under these changes, the  provision of free legal assistance will now be subject to taxation.   NGOs have expressed concern that these changes have created an  unclear situation and difficulties for civil society organizations.  Since they are non-profit organizations, in many cases they provide  free legal assistance to protect people's rights on a pro bono basis.   According to public organizations, legal protection measures are  becoming virtually inaccessible to the general public, posing a  serious problem for human rights protection.  Manasyan emphasized   that as the Human Rights Defender, she has publicly addressed this  issue. She finds the current situation concerning, particularly  regarding the availability of free legal assistance and the  prevailing uncertainty in this area.  "I have consistently emphasized  the importance of inclusive public discussions, involving civil  society representatives, in the context of changes in tax policy.  Stakeholders concerns should be recorded and taken into account. This  issue is under my direct attention. We have studied international  experience and held discussions with partners. To properly resolve  this issue, work has already been carried out among employees to  bring it to the attention of competent authorities," assured  Manasyan. She also emphasized the importance of holding discussions  in this format and finding ways to come to a joint solution.