ACT for Conflict Resolution organized a workshop on Arab and international judicial mediation experiences

Ramallah – ACT for Conflict Resolution, in partnership with the High Judicial Council, organized a virtual workshop titled “Arab and International Experiences in Judicial Mediation and Their Impact on the Palestinian Judicial Reality.” The workshop brought together judges from the High Judicial Council and Palestinian judicial bodies, along with a distinguished group of Arab experts in mediation and conflict resolution hosted from Egypt, Oman, and Lebanon, as well as several specialists in the field.

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 to enhance the use of alternative dispute resolution methods, ease the burden on courts, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system.

Workshop Themes

Discussions covered:

Arab and international experiences in judicial mediation

Legal frameworks governing mediation

Court referral mechanisms

Criteria for selecting judges and mediators

Licensing and accreditation processes

Integrity and impartiality safeguards

The workshop also explored 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 examining how Arab and international practices could be adapted to the Palestinian judicial context. Emphasis was placed on 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 reaffirmed its dedication to supporting national efforts to develop mediation and promote alternative dispute resolution. Through partnerships, 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.