In Community mediation, mediation is provided by trained community mediators who represent the community. Community mediation mechanisms are viewed as an opportunity for citizens to participate in the prevention and early intervention of conflicts as an alternative to institutional mechanisms. The mission is to provide neutral and safe dispute resolution opportunities through which individuals are empowered to work collaboratively to develop creative and mutually agreeable solutions to conflicts. Community mediation reduces legal interference into conflict situations. Thus it promotes social harmony and access to justice for the ordinary citizen against the background of escalating legal fees and lengthy litigation process.

Mediation process:

Disputes can be registered with the Clinic by one of the parties or through referrals from courts, police, community organizations, civic groups, religious institutions, government agencies, community leaders or from any of the party’s friends or family members.

The request will be registered on a small registration fee and the clinic would nominate a mediator and issue an invitation to the opposite side to participate in the mediation. The clinic would arrange the dates based on the convenience of parties and fix the meeting.

The mediation process is totally voluntary and the parties are free to abandon the same at their option. But if the parties are able to come to an agreement on their differences or disputes, the mediator would help them to enter into a settlement agreement, which will have the same status of a final decree of the civil court (as per the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996).

The whole process of mediation would be confidential and no records as to the proceedings of mediation will be maintained, except the mediation agreement, if reached.

The key advantages of IIAM Mediation Clinics:

• The mediators are members of the community;

• Mediation is accessible to everyone in the community regardless of their ability to pay. Mediation services may be offered at no cost or for a sliding fee. This may also be manifested in when mediation sessions are scheduled;

• Mediation sessions are held in the communities in which the dispute occurred, to reinforce the message that the community can develop its own solutions and to increase accessibility;

• Community mediation programs develop public awareness about mediation and conflict, often including conflict resolution training;

• Mediation is available to assist in resolving disputes at any stage in their development. One goal is to mediate the dispute before it escalates into violence and before legal action has been taken;

• Integrating a new concept “Elder Mediation”, which provides an opportunity to explore creative solutions that address a broad range of decisions and conflicts that affect an elder’s life in a confidential and safe environment. Since the elder is often able to participate in the mediation process, either directly or with the assistance of a lawyer or other representative, the elder’s dignity is preserved by having an active voice in the choices that are made.

• IIAM Community Mediation Service is endorsed by the International Mediation Institute (IMI) at the Hague

For more details on IIAM Community Mediation Service