Skills needed for dispute resolution

• Good conflict analysis skills.
• Good knowledge of the context and related history.
• Sensitivity to the local cultural context and relationships.
• Local language skills or access to good translators.
• Technical expertise as required.
• Enough status and credibility to make decisions and then act on them or have others do so.
• Good knowledge of the people, issues and organisation involved.
• Skills in facilitation, mediation, teamwork and counselling.

All governing bodies or community committees involved in dispute resolution, mediation or agreement making should have relevant skills and information, or be able to secure them externally.