.ACT for Conflict Resolution participates in a workshop on Arab and international judicial mediation experiences

Ramallah – ACT for Conflict Resolution participated in a virtual workshop titled “Arab and International Experiences in Judicial Mediation and Their Impact on the Palestinian Judicial Reality”, organized in partnership with the High Judicial Council. The workshop included several council judges, Palestinian judicial bodies, and a distinguished group of experts and specialists in mediation and conflict resolution.

The workshop was held within the framework of joint cooperation to support efforts to develop judicial mediation in Palestine, benefiting from Arab and international experiences in this field. It aims to strengthen the use of alternative dispute resolution methods, reduce the burden on courts, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system.

Workshop Themes

The discussions covered specialized topics in judicial mediation, including:

Arab and international experiences

Legal frameworks regulating mediation

Court referral mechanisms

Criteria for selecting judges and mediators

Licensing and accreditation processes

Integrity and impartiality safeguards

The workshop also examined comparative models of judicial mediation, challenges in implementation, and lessons that could inform the Palestinian model.

Towards a National Program

The event provided a platform for exchanging expertise and exploring how Arab and international practices could be adapted to the Palestinian judicial context. Discussions emphasized the importance of developing a clear national framework for judicial mediation that integrates with the justice system and supports mediation as an effective path for dispute resolution before or during court proceedings.

Recommendations and Lessons

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants agreed on a set of recommendations and lessons to build upon in developing the Palestinian judicial mediation program. These recommendations aim to strengthen judicial institutions in embedding mediation practices and advancing their implementation according to professional standards that ensure quality, independence, and neutrality.

Speakers highlighted the importance of continuing to exchange experiences and benefit from comparative models, while considering the specific Palestinian context and judicial needs. This approach seeks to establish a practical and sustainable model for judicial mediation.

ACT’s Commitment

ACT for Conflict Resolution continues to support national efforts to develop mediation and promote alternative dispute resolution. Through partnerships with relevant institutions, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building, ACT leverages regional and international practices to strengthen mediation as a tool for improving access to justice, reducing court burdens, and providing more efficient and effective solutions to disputes in line with the needs of Palestinian society and its judicial system.