The Indian government is set to establish the Mediation Council of India (MCI) by the end of the year, aiming to promote out-of-court dispute resolution and enhance the ease of doing business in the country. The MCI, formed under the Mediation Act of 2022, will oversee the regulation, education, and certification of mediators, ultimately aiming to make mediation a preferred method for dispute resolution, particularly for businesses.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1169, representing library workers in Calgary, rejected a wage deal from the city on Monday, deeming it “insulting.” The union claims the offer fell short of the increases granted to other city employee groups and fails to address critical issues faced by library staff. CUPE Local 1169 will initiate mediation and collaborate with other union groups seeking wage adjustments.
Egypt has threatened to withdraw as a mediator in Gaza ceasefire negotiations after CNN reported that Egyptian intelligence changed the terms of the recent truce proposal, scuttling a deal.
India’s Mediation Act, 2023, is revolutionizing dispute resolution by promoting amicable settlements through mediation. The act formalizes mediation and includes various forms, such as pre-litigation, court-annexed, online, and community mediation. Mediation is seen as a synergistic approach to traditional legal procedures, fostering open dialogue and reconciliation. However, barriers to skill development exist, including the current requirement of 15 years of professional experience for mediators. To address this, innovative training methods like co-mediation and shadow mediation should be incorporated into the Mediation Act, 2023, alongside a structured mediation training module in law school curriculum. By empowering the next generation of mediators and integrating mediation into legal education, India can cultivate a robust mediation culture and enhance the efficiency and harmony of its justice system.
Qatar has stated that the political leadership of Hamas will remain in Doha as long as their presence is beneficial to mediation efforts aimed at ending the war in Gaza. The announcement comes after Qatar reassessed its role in the conflict following the failure of mediators, including the U.S. and Egypt, to secure a pause in fighting during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Qatar, which has been engaged in weeks of behind-the-scenes talks on a possible truce in Gaza, has been criticized by Israeli officials for its mediation efforts.
Qatar has declared that Hamas’ political leadership will continue to reside in Doha as long as their presence contributes to mediation efforts for resolving the Gaza conflict. The decision comes despite rumors of Hamas’ potential expulsion from the gas-rich Gulf state. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, emphasized that Hamas’ presence will be reevaluated upon the completion of their reassessment of mediation efforts.
