Inclusive Justice Pathways Strengthening Disability-Inclusive Dispute Resolution in Palestine

Inclusive Justice Pathways aims to enhance access to justice for persons with disabilities by promoting rights-based, accessible, and peaceful alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. The project is led by ACT in partnership with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and disability-focused civil society organizations in Palestine.

The project focuses on establishing a disability-inclusive ADR network, building organizational capacities in mediation, negotiation, and grievance handling, and supporting the development of inclusive internal dispute resolution systems. It also documents rights-related challenges faced by persons with disabilities and uses evidence-based advocacy to influence policies and advance inclusive justice.

Project Description

The project aims to establish and activate a Disability-Inclusive Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Network, led by ACT and composed of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and disability-focused civil society organizations in Palestine. The network seeks to enhance access to justice for persons with disabilities through peaceful, accessible, and rights-based alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

The project begins with a comprehensive mapping study of disability organizations to document existing grievance mechanisms and identify gaps in dispute resolution practices. This is followed by consultative workshops to formally establish the network and define its structure, governance, and shared agenda. The project also includes a specialized capacity-building program focusing on mediation, negotiation, and disability-sensitive communication, alongside technical support to help participating organizations develop or strengthen internal ADR procedures. In addition, mediation and facilitated dialogue cases will be documented to generate evidence on rights violations and systemic barriers, which will be used to produce a policy brief and implement advocacy and media activities aimed at influencing policies and advancing inclusive justice for persons with disabilities.

Project Goals

The project aims to establish and strengthen a Disability-Inclusive Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Network as a coordination platform led by ACT and composed of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and disability-focused civil society organizations. The network seeks to improve access to justice for persons with disabilities through inclusive, peaceful, and rights-based alternative dispute resolution tools.

The project seeks to achieve the following objectives:

Establish and operationalize a disability-inclusive ADR network with a clear governance structure, coordination mechanisms, and a unified policy agenda focused on equitable access to justice.

Build the capacities of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in mediation, negotiation, grievance handling, and disability-sensitive communication.

Support the institutionalization of ADR mechanisms within participating organizations to ensure that persons with disabilities can safely report complaints and resolve disputes through rights-based approaches.

Strengthen collective advocacy by documenting rights violations and systemic barriers and presenting unified policy recommendations to decision-makers.

Contribute to the integration of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as a complementary pathway to formal justice within national disability-related policies.