Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 24 October (BelTA) – UNICEF is ready to support the development of mechanisms of restorative justice, including the mediation institute, in Belarus, UNICEF representative to Belarus Rashed Mustafa Sarwar said at the panel discussion Belarusian School Mediation Service: Influence on the Education Process and Development Trends in Belarus on 24 October, BelTA has learned.

“School mediation in Belarus is at an early stage of evolution. We are glad to say that the country has accumulated positive experience of introducing these mechanisms in some educational establishments. Mediation promotes teenager’s integration into society, reduces stigmatization, helps unlock their potential, interpret and understand their behavior,” Rashed Mustafa Sarwar noted.

In his words, the fact that mediation development issues are considered at such a high level, involving lawmakers, representatives of ministries and agencies, and public associations, testifies to the importance of this area for Belarus. “UNICEF, in cooperation with the government, is ready to assist the development of mechanisms of restorative justice, including mediation,” the UNICEF representative to Belarus said.

The meeting participants took stock of the progress in the implementation of the School Mediation project, the potential of school mediation services and the development of efficient education instruments and conflict management in education. Sharing experience were mediators from Minsk schools and regions, representatives of the Mediation and Law Center.

The panel discussion was organized by the Justice Ministry of Belarus, the UNICEF Office in Belarus jointly with the public association “Belarusian Union of Lawyers” and the Mediation and Law Center.