Local Profile

Promoting mediation in FYRO-Macedonia  (*)

Mediation as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism is in its early stages in FYRO-Macedonia. There is no independent mediators association and few mediation organizations active in this region.
Yet the government is taking steps for the development of mediation. A new law drafted by the Macedonian government seeks to promote this method of dispute resolution. Please find more information about the legal framework for mediation in FYRO-Macedonia in the section legal framework.

Currently mediation in FYRO-Macedonia deals mainly with trade, employment, consumer issues and the main organization conducting mediation in FYRO-Macedonia, the Nansen Dialogue Centre in Skopje, is particularly interested in school mediation. Please read more about Nansen Dialogue activities in FYRO-Macedonia in the section association.

In April 2006, the Ministry of Justice signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on developing an efficient mediation system over the next three years. The establishment of this mechanism of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) supports the ongoing judicial reform program in FYRO-Macedonia, by providing appropriate procedures to permit cheaper, quicker and better access to justice for businesses. This act is part of the IFC alternative dispute resolution project launched in 2004 and which aims to promote the establishment of an efficient system of mediation in this region. Objectives are to develop the legal framework, to establish court mediation centers and to promote mediation through a public awareness campaign.

(*) Information in part taken from IFC website: www.ifc.org