PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES TO THE POPULATION BY HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: FORMS AND LIMITS OF COMPETENCE
Authors:   National Scientific Center “Hon. prof. M. S. Bokarius Forensic Science Institute”, Iemets Ivan 
Published: December 2024

Purpose. The purpose of the article was to find out the typical forms of activity of non-governmental human rights organizations and to determine the limits of their competence in providing legal services to the population. Methods. Research methodology is represented by several general,philosophical, and special methods, including dialectical, comparative, analysis and synthesis, system-structural, etc. The study’s theoretical basis was the provisions of national legislation and international legal treaties, the theoretical work of Ukrainian scientists, and the statutes of human rights non-governmental organizations. A comprehensive approach in the application of methods of scientific knowledge ensured a logical presentation of the material, reliability, and validity of the obtained conclusions.Results. Based on the generalization of the current provisions of national and international legal acts, it was determined that the activities of human rights non-governmental organizations are primarily regulated by the norms of the Constitution of Ukraine, international legal treaties ratified by Ukraine, and the Law of Ukraine “On Public Associations”. They guarantee diversity both in the forms of activity and in defining the goals and tasks of activity. A certain heterogeneity characterizes the human rights organizations of Ukraine, and despite this, they can be classified into general human rights organizations and specialized organizations. The forms of their activity are mostly informative and educational.Conclusions. As a general rule, human rights non-governmental organizations are authorized to provide legal services, however, individual forms, which, in particular, consist of representing the interests of a person in courts and other state authorities, defending a person against accusations, etc., are authorized to be implemented by representatives of advocacy bodies, because in this context it is important strictly adhere to the principle of professionalism. Therefore, human rights non-governmental organizations, which aim to represent the interests of individuals in state authorities, in courts, etc., must ensure that their members include persons who have the right to engage in advocacy, because only then will their activities take place within the legal framework fields. The legal basis for the activity of such lawyers will remain the contract for the provision of legal services, which will not only regulate the procedure for the interaction of the parties who concluded it, but will also be the basis for initiating disciplinary proceedings against the lawyer if the quality of the legal services provided by him is low and does not meet provisions of legislation and international standards. Thus, although the role of human rights non-governmental organizations in society is growing, the limits of their competence in providing legal services to the population are limited and consist mainly in implementing informational and educational activities.