Joint programme: "Developing mediation practices in civil disputes in Turkey"

Overall objective:

The overall objective of the project is to improve the efficiency of justice by reducing the cost and time needed to resolve civil disputes through effective implementation of mediation practices.

Specific objectives:

The specific objectives of the project are:

§  Helping to build a legislative environment that will ensure effective implementation of mediation in civil disputes in Turkey;

§  Developing a practical model suitable for Turkey based on effective mediation pilot practices for civil disputes, and building the infrastructure of mediation pilots;

§  Strengthening the institutional and training capacity of the Department of Mediation established under the Ministry of Justice;

§  Raising awareness on the functioning of mediation amongst judges, lawyers, civil society and citizens.

Expected results:

The expected results of the project are:

§  The legal framework is improved to allow for effective implementation of mediation in civil disputes in Turkey;

§  The necessary models, tools and structures are available for the use of mediation in civil disputes in Turkey;

§  Mediation Department utilizes clear, adequate and standardised training curricula in line with CEPEJ Guidelines, and mediators have the skills and competences necessary to fulfill this role;

§  Mediation in civil disputes, its use, cost, advantages and legal implications are known among the general public and the judiciary, the legal profession and the users of the justice system.

Main activities:

§  International workshops for the revision of the existing legislative and regulatory framework on mediation, in line with CEPEJ guidelines (mediation legislation and practices; mediation training programmes…);

§  Development of implementation plans for Pilot courts;

§  Development of a monitoring and assessment system for the civil cases settled through mediation;

§  Baseline and Follow-up Studies on the state of play of mediation, at the beginning as well as at the end of the project;

§   Review of existing curricula and training modules for mediators, in light of CEPEJ Guidelines;

§  Re-design, assessment and standardisation of guidebooks, and leaflets based on CEPEJ Guidelines ;

§  Development and dissemination of training materials and modules for the relevant stakeholders, including training of trainers and the creation of a pool of trainers;

§  Development of performance assessment criteria for training centres;

§  Awareness raising activities on mediation;

§  International study visits for Mediation Board and working group members to learn about  mediation practices in European countries.

Project beneficiaries and stakeholders:

Ministry of Justice, High Council of Judges and Prosecutors, Union of Turkish Bars Association, Turkish Justice Academy, Academicians and lecturers from Law Faculties and Training Centres, Turkish Chambers Associations, National Judicial Network Information System, Pilot Courts targeted by the project, Turkish Civil Society and NGOs.