Proposal to increase benefits for mediators and build professional mediation centers

At the seminar to contribute ideas to the Law on Mediation at the grassroots level (amended), many delegates proposed to improve the regime for mediators and research the model of professional mediation centers, in order to meet development requirements in the new context.

On the morning of November 25, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of Justice organized a seminar on "Policy orientation to build a grassroots mediation law (amended)".

Dr. Ngo Quynh Hoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Legal Dissemination, Education and Legal Aid, Ministry of Justice, delivered the opening speech. Photo: CAM NUONG

Participating in the discussion, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Justice Tran Thi Hong Hanh said that grassroots mediation plays a very important role in maintaining neighborhood relationships, solidarity and consensus among the people, contributing directly to security, order, social security and the overall development of the locality. Therefore, Ho Chi Minh City identifies this as one of the fundamental and effective solutions to stabilize society.

The leader of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Justice stated that reality shows that the reputation and life experience of a mediator are more important than degrees or administrative qualifications.

In fact, many mediators do not have high academic qualifications but are “very prestigious in resolving internal conflicts”, because they understand the characteristics of each family and have good persuasive skills. This is practical experience that should be taken into account when amending the law.

Ms. Tran Thi Hong Hanh also shared that currently, mediators “work with a spirit of volunteerism and passion” because the current support level (150,000 VND/team/month) is very low. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the regime, especially health insurance, to encourage this force to continue to stick together and contribute.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Tat Vien, Former Director of the Department of Legal Dissemination and Education, Ministry of Justice, gave his opinion. Photo: CAM NUONG

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tat Vien, former Director of the Department of Legal Dissemination and Education, Ministry of Justice, when developing policies, it is necessary to clearly demonstrate the core philosophy of reconciliation. That is, not to pursue right or wrong in the sense of winning or losing, but to aim for consensus. This is a great value that needs to be reflected in the draft law.

He emphasized that grassroots reconciliation exists because it is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, a culture of affection, love, care, and solidarity in the community. These values ​​were once the foundation of village life and still have weight, even though the modern context makes people busy and has little time to care for each other. It is these “emotional over rational” values ​​that are the reason why people always seek reconciliation.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tat Vien also believes that the standards for legal professional mediators should not be absolute in the direction of being too similar to the court or investigation sector. Mediation must maintain a "civil quality", based on life experience and community trust. In particular, he proposed considering upgrading the mediation team model, such as researching and building a mediation center model or a more professional model, to suit the future development of society.

Currently, the city has 5,529 mediation teams with 26,587 mediators. In the past time, the teams have received 1,052 cases, and have successfully mediated 943 cases, reaching 89%.

CAM NUONG - VAN ANH

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/de-xuat-tang-che-do-cho-hoa-giai-vien-xay-dung-trung-tam-hoa-giai-chuyen-nghiep-post825352.html