40 new mediators receive qualification certificates; the results of and the upcoming plans for mediation reforms

Deputy Minister of Justice Karen Karapetyan delivered opening remarks at the workshop devoted to "Perspectives for Reforms in the Mediation Sector", noting that the reforms implemented in the mediation sector over the past few years will have a significant impact on the justice system. The Deputy Minister informed that the mediation community has been replenished with about 80 new mediators who have undergone training in line with the key international standards. Karen Karapetyan also touched upon the introduction of the institution of compulsory mediation in the nearest future, which will help ease the workload of the courts. Karen Karapetyan attached importance to the assistance of international partners in the development of the mediation sector. The Director of the "Centre for Legislation Development and Legal Research" Foundation touched upon the upcoming restructuring of the self-regulatory organisation of mediators expected to take place this autumn. Tigran Dadunts attached special importance to the active engagement of mediators in mediation cases, unification around the self-regulatory organisation, and contribution to the development of the mediation community. Tigran Dadunts informed that the Ministry will soon organise informal discussions for mediators to exchange thoughts and ideas, which will be followed by a general meeting of mediators during which a new Council and Chairperson will be elected. Tigran Dadunts also urged all mediators to actively engage in the process of compulsory mediation in family matters so that this reform is sustained. Senior Legal Expert at the Foundation Maria Petrosyan presented the upcoming legislative reforms related to mediation and the importance of ratification of the Singapore Convention for becoming integrated into international mediation processes and increasing the country's credibility. During the workshop, an active discussion and question-and-answer session were held; the mediators shared their proposals, comments and concerns about the restructuring of the self-regulatory organisation of mediators, as well as the draft of the new amendments to the Law "On mediation" submitted for public deliberation. Within the scope of the workshop, about 40 mediators — qualified as a result of the regular qualification round during the past two months — received their certificates during the award ceremony.

The event was jointly held by the Ministry of Justice and the "Centre for Legislation Development and Legal Research" Foundation of the Ministry of Justice within the scope of the USAID-funded project "Support to the Centre for Legislation Development Foundation" which is being implemented with the support of "Counterpart International" organisation.