GIZ ROLMIN and DOJ-OADR conduct training course on Alternative Dispute Resolution for Community Justice System Bearers

In collaboration with the Department of Justice - Office of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (DOJ OADR), GIZ’s "Promotion of the Rule of Law in Mindanao (ROLMIN)" project organised a course on integrated community  alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. The 5-day short course aimed to provide needs-based and context-specific training to enhance the ADR capacities of community stakeholders, Indigenous Political System (IPS), and Barangay Local Government Units (BLGU).

With the presence of BLGU and IPS representatives, the training was a perfect opportunity to identify possible entry points where indigenous justice systems and barangay justice systems can be harmoniously aligned with each other. It also aimed to find the common ground between the IP indigenous justice system and alternative dispute resolution. The course covered Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) laws and practices of the IP justice systems. The training was localized based on the needs and context of the communities the participants serve to develop a gender, culture, and conflict-sensitive ADR.

This collaboration with DOJ OADR in conducting training on ADR is part of the project’s initiative to capacitate both partners and community stakeholders and strengthen community-based justice systems, especially in the areas of mediation and conciliation. Promoting different dispute resolution mechanisms related to land conflicts can greatly improve access to justice of community members, whether migrants or IPs.

The training was conducted from 15 – 19 July in Davao City and was attended by 37 participants from 8 Barangays in Mt Apo Natural Park.