HURPA Launches Alternative Dispute Resolution Centres to Promote Access to Justice

The Human Rights Pathfinders Association (HURPA) has officially launched its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centres as part of its commitment to promoting peaceful conflict resolution, protecting human rights, and improving access to justice across Nigeria.

The initiative is designed to provide individuals, families, businesses, communities, institutions, and organizations with affordable, timely, and confidential alternatives to prolonged court litigation. Through mediation, conciliation, negotiation, and other recognized ADR mechanisms, HURPA aims to resolve disputes while preserving relationships and promoting social harmony.

Speaking during the launch, HURPA described the establishment of the ADR Centres as a significant milestone in the organization's mission to advance justice and human dignity.

"HURPA believes that many disputes can be resolved through dialogue, mutual understanding, and professional mediation without the need for lengthy and expensive court proceedings. Our ADR Centres will serve as safe, neutral, and accessible platforms where parties can settle disputes peacefully and fairly," the Association stated.

The Association noted that the centres will handle a wide range of matters, including family disputes, landlord and tenant disagreements, workplace conflicts, community disputes, commercial disagreements, debt recovery matters, contractual issues, inheritance disputes, and other civil matters suitable for alternative dispute resolution.

HURPA further explained that the initiative complements the Nigerian justice system by encouraging amicable settlements, reducing case backlogs in courts, lowering the financial burden on disputing parties, and fostering lasting peace within communities. ADR is increasingly recognized as an effective means of resolving disputes quickly, confidentially, and cost-effectively.

In addition to dispute resolution services, the ADR Centres will provide public education, mediation awareness campaigns, capacity-building programmes, conflict prevention initiatives, and professional training on negotiation and mediation skills for community leaders, youth groups, civil society organizations, and institutions.

HURPA called on government agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, corporate organizations, educational institutions, legal practitioners, and members of the public to partner with the Association in promoting a culture of dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, impartiality, confidentiality, and fairness in all ADR proceedings and encouraged individuals seeking peaceful solutions to disputes to take advantage of the newly established centres.

The launch of the HURPA Alternative Dispute Resolution Centres represents another major step toward strengthening access to justice, promoting human rights, and building peaceful communities throughout Nigeria.