Peacebuilding &conflict transformation A ... - Peaceworkafrica

Introduction of mediator and conflict parties▶ Introduce yourself to the parties: your name, profession andqualifications or experience in mediation. You can briefly addpersonal information to encourage the conflicting parties to talkabout themselves.▶ Let each person (conflict parties) present introduce her/himself(if you know everybody, you might do the introduction).Ask how they wish to be addressed.What do I (mediator) know about the conflict▶ Inform the people how you came to know about the conflict,how you made contact with the parties. Give a summary of your currentknowledge of the conflict.▶ Confirm the accuracy of your information by asking them.Expectations of conflict partiesAsk the conflict parties▶ if it is the first time they are taking part in mediation,▶ what they already know about mediation,▶ what expectations they have concerning the mediation process(not their expectation about the content or outcome of the conflict!).Mediator’s role▶ Explain that you are present to help the parties to talk to each otherconstructively.▶ Note that you are responsible for the process of the sessionbut not for its content.▶ Explain that not you, but the parties will try to find their own solutions.▶ Emphasize that you will not be judging who is right,who made mistakes or who is the wrongdoer, etc.▶ Emphasize that you are impartial throughout the process.Formalities▶ Give information about the time frame of one mediation session,follow up sessions, what is allowed and what is forbidden.▶ Outline the mediation procedure: Explain the mediation process brieflyand emphasize that each person will have a turn to speak withoutbeing interrupted.278 V I I I . C O N F L I C T T R A N S F O R M AT I O N