Monitoring visits to observe the pilot practices in Mersin and Kayseri jurisdictions were organised in the framework of the project: "Developing Mediation Practices in Civil Disputes in Turkey", implemented by the Council of Europe and co-funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the Republic of Turkey. The delegation composed of Ministry of Justice, the Council of Europe, and Sida representatives launched the monitoring visits in Mersin on 19 January 2016.

Mersin

The visit started with a pre-assessment meeting, and with the participation of the Chief Public Prosecutor of Mersin, the Head of Justice Commission, pilot judges, mediators, the mediation centre and the front office staff. The delegation observed a judicial referral process in a hearing at the 4th Civil Court of Mersin. Following the visits and a review of the practices at the Mediation Centre and at the Front Office, the delegation participated in the seminar on “Mediation in Family Disputes” for mediators and lawyers. The visit was concluded on 20 January with a meeting where the outcomes and findings of the monitoring were discussed and evaluated by all stakeholders.

Kayseri

The monitoring visits continued in Kayseri on 21 January 2016 according to the same scheme. The delegation took part in the seminar on “Mediation in Labour Disputes” for lawyers and mediators. The visits were concluded on 22 January with a wrap-up meeting to evaluate the outcomes of the pilot practices in Kayseri.

The findings and outcomes of monitoring visits to two pilot jurisdictions – Mersin and Kayseri – will be used to modify the schemes aimed at improving the efficiency of mediation system in Turkey.