In conditions of the most severe state of human rights, GYLA is temporarily switching to crisis work mode and will continue providing legal assistance only in the direction of strategic litigation - this is stated in the announcement of the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association.

It is also noted here that legislative changes adopted since 2024 have significantly narrowed the space for human rights activities, which has also affected GYLA's operations. Accordingly, according to GYLA, they have already had to restrict several important directions, including programs that provided free legal assistance to citizens.

"The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA) has been serving Georgia's constitutional interests through the protection of human rights and the rule of law for more than 31 years. From its founding to the present day, GYLA's human rights defenders have provided more than 1.3 million instances of free legal assistance and consultations. The organization provided free legal assistance to people in 9 regions of Georgia: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Ozurgeti, Zugdidi, Gori, Dusheti, Rustavi, and Telavi. Thanks to this support, thousands of citizens were able to effectively protect their rights both domestically and in international judicial bodies.

Today, civil society organizations are operating in one of the most difficult environments in the history of independent Georgia. The unconstitutional legislative changes adopted since 2024, aimed at restricting and/or fully eliminating civil society in Georgia, have significantly narrowed the space for human rights activities. In addition, the repressive environment has forced a significant portion of civil organizations to completely cease or drastically reduce their activities, while the real risk of criminal prosecution has established a constant regime of pressure on their work.

The existing environment has also impacted GYLA's operations. The organization has temporarily had to restrict several important directions, including damaging those programs that provided free legal assistance to citizens, which effectively means that thousands of citizens will no longer receive the support they previously received annually through daily free in-person, telephone, or online consultations, document preparation, and procedural representation.

In conditions of the most severe state of human rights, GYLA is temporarily switching to crisis work mode and will continue providing legal assistance only in the direction of strategic litigation. With 31 years of experience and responsibility to society, GYLA also continues monitoring the state of human rights, documenting violations, and responding publicly, clearly, and substantiatedly to them." - the statement reads.