Community mediation programme concludes

Kathmandu, Sept. 27: 

A community mediation programme implemented to enhance capacity and mechanisms for dispute management through introduction and institutionalisation of community mediation has been completed.

The programme named as Strengthening Community Mediation Capacity for Peaceful and Harmonious Society Project Phase II (COMCAP –II) also aimed at increasing access to justice of the vulnerable sects of society such as the poor, women and marginalised people, said Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The programme was formally commenced in 2010 through the government initiative led by the then Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development with technical cooperation of JICA.

“COMCAP was first piloted in Sindhuli and Mahottari district during the first phase while phase second was initiated in 2015 to focus more to institutionalise it at the government system by developing training and orientation materials, guidelines, videos and handbook on good practices,” said JICA.

The project supported to establish 38 Community Mediation Centers in different rural and urban municipalities of Sindhuli, Mahottari, Dhanusha, Morang and Tanahun districts primarily with an aim to create peaceful and harmonious society to benefit the local people.

So far 1,120 Community Mediation Centers are established throughout the country and have resolved more than 11,600 disputes through the effort collectively made by the various developing partners, international/non-government organisations and COMCAP.

The Project on Thursday organised a central workshop, before the formal closure post completion, to discuss the way forward of community and local governments led mediation with all its stakeholders.