Mediautor.
On June 29, 2023, the Navarra Council of Justice announced that it will create interdisciplinary working groups to develop the Foral Law 4/2023, of March 9, on restorative justice, mediation, and community restorative practices (Ley Foral 4/2023, de 9 de marzo, de justicia restaurativa, mediación y prácticas restaurativas comunitarias). According to Article 1, the law aims to "promote conflict resolution through the Navarre Restorative Justice Service, mediation promotion measures, and community restorative practices offered by the Administration of the Autonomous Community of Navarra".
Furthermore, Title II of the law is focused on the "Promotion of Mediation", Article 28 defines mediation as "a means of dispute resolution, regardless of its name, in which two or more parties voluntarily attempt to reach an agreement with the assistance of a mediator." Article 29 adds that the scope of application will cover "conflicts related to matters of free disposal and those on which the parties can propose an agreement, in accordance with the applicable legislation."
Moreover, the law also regulates that the Government of Navarra must promote mediation and other dispute resolution methods. They will provide the public with information about its operation and ensure the right to free mediation in certain cases. They will also carry out promotional and educational activities through informative and training sessions.
Additionally, as mentioned in the press release, the Navarra Council of Justice has stated that it will create three working groups for the proper implementation of the regulations. These working groups will include members of the judiciary, prosecutors, lawyers, economists, bar associations, mediation professionals, psychologists, and social workers, as well as members of the regional, local, and national police forces, municipal federations, the Public University of Navarra, and relevant associations.
In particular, as stated in the press release, one of the working groups will focus on creating and defining the operation of the Mediation Registry of Navarra, developing a mediation code of conduct for individuals and institutions voluntarily registered, obtaining the Mediation Quality Seal, and establishing a general framework for mediation process phases.
Sources: Navarra.es (El Consejo Navarro de Justicia creará grupos de trabajo para desarrollar la Ley de Justicia Restaurativa y Mediación), LexNavarra (Ley Foral 4/2023, de 9 de marzo, de justicia restaurativa, mediación y prácticas restaurativas comunitarias).