The Ministry of Justice recently announced the decision made by the Defender of Human Rights regarding proposed amendments to the Normative Charter of the Republic of Armenia on Taxation. The draft law, which was published on the e-draft.am website on January 24, suggests exempting non-governmental organizations that provide legal services in the field of advocacy from paying state duty. The draft proposes changes to the Tax Code, such as increasing the tax rate for legal service providers and implementing income tax and VAT. In response, the Defender of Human Rights, Arman Tatoyan, has appealed to the President of the Court of Cassation, expressing concerns about the lack of consideration for international standards and the protection of human rights in the draft.

The appeal emphasizes the importance of including all stakeholders, including the legal community, in discussions about proposed changes related to the legal profession. The Defender also highlights the need for public involvement in debates and hearings about the draft law to ensure a comprehensive approach to the implementation of the Defender’s work. In line with the mission to protect human rights, the Defender suggests that public participation and awareness are essential for the effective execution of the Defender’s tasks.

Overall, the Defender urges the state to recognize the organization’s authority in considering public proposals and initiatives during discussions on draft laws. While acknowledging the state’s right to determine the taxation of non-governmental organizations, the Defender stresses the importance of evaluating comprehensive arguments and protecting the rights of the human rights defender, in line with international principles and obligations.