Press Release
For Immediate Release
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) Submits Position Paper on the Mediation Bill, 2023, to the Law Reform Commission
Freetown, 18 June 2024 – The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) is pleased to announce the submission of its comprehensive position paper on the Mediation Bill, 2023, to the Law Reform Commission. This significant step underscores ILRAJ’s commitment to enhancing the rule of law and access to justice in Sierra Leone through the promotion of effective and inclusive dispute resolution mechanisms.
The Mediation Bill, 2023, represents a forward-thinking approach to resolving civil and commercial disputes in Sierra Leone, proposing the establishment of Mediation Centers across the country. These centers aim to provide a structured and regulated framework for mediation, offering a viable alternative to traditional litigation. Mediation has been recognized globally for its benefits, including reduced legal costs, faster resolution times, and more amicable settlements.
In its position paper, ILRAJ presents detailed observations and recommendations designed to enhance the Bill’s efficacy and inclusivity. Key areas of focus include:
- Ensuring the Bill’s provisions are comprehensive and do not inadvertently limit access to mediation for eligible parties.
- Advocating for a hybrid model that combines the strengths of centralized and regional mediation centers.
- Emphasizing the need to incorporate customary practices into the formal mediation framework.
- Providing clear guidelines for transitioning between mediation, arbitration, and court proceedings.
- Urging the inclusion of provisions to facilitate the enforcement of international mediated settlement agreements.
- Highlighting the importance of public awareness campaigns and rigorous training programs for mediators.
- Proposing strategies for securing long-term financial support for the Mediation Centers.
The submission of this position paper is a crucial part of ILRAJ’s ongoing efforts to support the development of a robust legal framework that promotes justice, transparency, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
ILRAJ is confident that its recommendations will contribute to a more effective implementation of the Mediation Bill, 2023, ensuring that more individuals and businesses can benefit from this alternative means of dispute resolution.
Copies of the position paper have been served on the Chair of the Law Reform Commission and the Honourable Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. ILRAJ looks forward to continued collaboration with the government, the Law Reform Commission, and other stakeholders to achieve the successful enactment of this important legislation. Read the position paper – https://www.ilraj.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Position-Paper-on-Mediation-Bill-2023.pdf
For further information, please contact: ilraj@ilraj.org
About ILRAJ:
The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) is an independent, non-partisan public policy research and educational think tank dedicated to the protection of human rights and the rule of law. ILRAJ aims to preserve, study, and enhance accountability and access to justice, increase awareness and understanding of women’s and children’s rights, youth justice, and respect for human rights, and promote capacity building among women, youth, and disadvantaged communities and groups.
Freetown, 18 June 2024 – The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) is pleased to announce the submission of its comprehensive position paper on the Mediation Bill, 2023, to the Law Reform Commission. This significant step underscores ILRAJ’s commitment to enhancing the rule of law and access to justice in Sierra Leone through the promotion of effective and inclusive dispute resolution mechanisms.
The Mediation Bill, 2023, represents a forward-thinking approach to resolving civil and commercial disputes in Sierra Leone, proposing the establishment of Mediation Centers across the country. These centers aim to provide a structured and regulated framework for mediation, offering a viable alternative to traditional litigation. Mediation has been recognized globally for its benefits, including reduced legal costs, faster resolution times, and more amicable settlements.
In its position paper, ILRAJ presents detailed observations and recommendations designed to enhance the Bill’s efficacy and inclusivity. Key areas of focus include:
- Ensuring the Bill’s provisions are comprehensive and do not inadvertently limit access to mediation for eligible parties.
- Advocating for a hybrid model that combines the strengths of centralized and regional mediation centers.
- Emphasizing the need to incorporate customary practices into the formal mediation framework.
- Providing clear guidelines for transitioning between mediation, arbitration, and court proceedings.
- Urging the inclusion of provisions to facilitate the enforcement of international mediated settlement agreements.
- Highlighting the importance of public awareness campaigns and rigorous training programs for mediators.
- Proposing strategies for securing long-term financial support for the Mediation Centers.
The submission of this position paper is a crucial part of ILRAJ’s ongoing efforts to support the development of a robust legal framework that promotes justice, transparency, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
ILRAJ is confident that its recommendations will contribute to a more effective implementation of the Mediation Bill, 2023, ensuring that more individuals and businesses can benefit from this alternative means of dispute resolution.
Copies of the position paper have been served on the Chair of the Law Reform Commission and the Honourable Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. ILRAJ looks forward to continued collaboration with the government, the Law Reform Commission, and other stakeholders to achieve the successful enactment of this important legislation. Read the position paper – https://www.ilraj.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Position-Paper-on-Mediation-Bill-2023.pdf
For further information, please contact: ilraj@ilraj.org
About ILRAJ:
The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) is an independent, non-partisan public policy research and educational think tank dedicated to the protection of human rights and the rule of law. ILRAJ aims to preserve, study, and enhance accountability and access to justice, increase awareness and understanding of women’s and children’s rights, youth justice, and respect for human rights, and promote capacity building among women, youth, and disadvantaged communities and groups.
