ACT Foundation Unveils Groundbreaking Survey Findings on Jerusalemites' Attitudes Towards Alternative Dispute Resolution in Ramallah Workshop
Ramallah – 1 June 2025: The ACT Conflict Resolution Foundation, in strategic partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Justice and with support of the Sawasya III Joint Programme through UNDP PAPP, convened a specialized workshop in Ramallah to day to present the findings of a pioneering qualitative opinion survey exploring exploring attitudes among Jerusalemites towards Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. The event brought together key local and international stakeholders.Dr. Luna Shamieh, the lead researcher, presented a comprehensive analysis of the findings, which revealed distinct trends among Jerusalemites favouring the use of mediation and arbitration, particularly in light of the city’s sensitive and complex political and social context. Results highlighted a significant inclination towards mediation and arbitration, viewed as practical and flexible options that enhance justice and ensure effective, equitable conflict resolution, offering an alternative to burdensome traditional procedures.
In his keynote address, H.E. the Palestinian Minister of Justice Sharhabeel Al Zaeem highlighted the exceptional nature of Jerusalem and the field challenges facing efforts to resolve disputes there. He emphasized the importance of resorting to alternative dispute resolution methods in accordance with Palestinian legislation, and their impact on strengthening the social fabric of Jerusalem and ensuring the access of Jerusalemites to timely justice.
The Chairman of the Board of ACT for Conflict Resolution, Mr. Mohamed Hadiya, emphasized, saying: "ACT is committed to developing and enhancing mediation and arbitration mechanisms as effective tools for resolving disputes outside the formal courts. The organization has successfully resolved twenty cases, seventeen of which were through mediation and three through arbitration. Additionally, the organization is implementing and offering specialized training programs for mediators and arbitrators to enhance their capabilities, directly contributing to strengthening social peace." Mr. Yasser Darwish, representative of the Fatah movement in the Jerusalem Governorate, also stressed that "resorting to Israeli courts carries serious legal and social risks for the Jerusalemite citizen, whereas mediation offers a safer and fairer alternative that preserves dignity and promotes stability." Mr. Yasser Darwish, representative of the Fatah Movement in Jerusalem Governorate, also stressed that, "Resorting to Israeli courts carries grave legal and social risks for Jerusalemite citizens. Mediation offers a safer, more just alternative that preserves dignity and fosters stability."
Representing the Sawasya III Joint Programme, the Strategic Policy Advisor Mr. Omar Al-Assouli expressed the programme's commitment to supporting initiatives that advance community justice: “Our investment in mediation and arbitration is strategic. It strengthens social cohesion and helps reduce tensions in fragile contexts like Jerusalem. These findings offer strong evidence to guide our future policy and programming.”
This landmark survey presents a pivotal step in shaping a roadmap for enhancing community justice in Jerusalem. It delivers a profound understanding of citizen attitudes and lays the foundation for adopting sustainable, effective models based on mediation and arbitration. These models are poised to contribute significantly to building a more cohesive society capable of navigating challenges within the city's extraordinary circumstances.
