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THE FAMILY INSTITUTION AND MEDIATION FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE BY NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA.
Ala, Modupe O. PhD Alade, Adebola A. PhD
Abstract:
The quest for peace universally is unending while its sustainability for the family institution is imperative. Homicidal incidents during domestic conflicts show that marital conflict isnot abating. Effective third-party intervention is therefore a necessity because Litigation, which is the traditional, governmental mechanism is not without drawbacks. Hence the consideration for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms used by NGOs which are pro bono (no charges), fast, and effective. Besides, they are preferred because they provide options that reconcile couples without necessarily exposing the family to the tedious process of litigation and desired needs are met.The objective of this paper therefore, is to examine the use of ADR (mediation) by The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) with core terms of reference in marital conflict management.Structural-Functional and Human need theories were adopted. The study was done qualitatively while the procedure for data collection was through primary and secondary sources. Key Informant (KI) and In-Depth Interviews (IDI) were conducted, while data were contently analyzed descriptively. The trajectory of ADR, as mechanism of adoption by NGOs showed that ADR has always been a system practiced in all cultures of the world even though it may not have been formal then. The mechanism has however, succeeded in rescuing a number of marriages from adversarial end results like divorce. Government could thus empower mediators through legislation to prevent complainants from truncating the ADR processes.