People do not know much about mediation, survey

Mediation is an efficient form of solving disputes, but the people do not know much about it. Therefore, the information and awareness-raising activities should be continued nationwide, says a survey carried out in six regions of Moldova by the Institute for Penal Reforms, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to the study, the lack of information, the inefficient implementation mechanisms and the shortage of financial resources are the major obstacles to implementing mediation practices in Moldova. The study shows that among the main risks related to mediation are the lack of control over the assumed responsibility and the non-admission of guilt. The first practical mediation activities in Moldova were carried out in February 2005, when a Mediation Center was created at the Institute for Penal Reform. At the end of 2006, the pilot mediation activities were extended to the municipality of Balti and the districts of Ungheni, Cahul, Telenesti and Falesti. Most of the respondents consider that the situation as regards the development of mediation will improve during the next five years and that the mediation activities must be financed from the state budget. Some of them said the parties involved should also contribute, while others believe the NGOs should be engaged as well. The survey aimed to find out people's opinions, perceptions and attitudes to the mediation of legal cases in Moldova. Mediation is a process in which a third-party neutral assists in resolving a dispute between two or more other parties. It is a non-adversarial approach to conflict resolution. The role of the mediator is to facilitate communication between the parties, assist them in focusing on the real issues of the dispute, and generate options that meet the interests or needs of all relevant parties in an effort to resolve the conflict