WIPO ADR Stories: WIPO Digital Tools Facilitate Access to Justice in Tanzania
In a significant step towards facilitating access to justice and efficient dispute resolution, the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center (WIPO Center) has initiated a collaborative project with the Judiciary of Tanzania. Through this project, launched last August, the WIPO Center makes available at no cost WIPO online meeting platforms in mediation cases before the Judiciary of Tanzania, allowing parties and mediators to meet easily online, with greater convenience and flexibility.
To date, the WIPO Center has hosted over 20 online mediation meetings, with the parties and mediators involved providing very positive feedback. In addition to streamlining case management for the Judiciary, the online conduct of mediation meetings has had a considerable impact on the participation of the parties in the proceedings, that no longer have to travel long distances or face the challenges of network issues. By equipping the Judiciary of Tanzania with the necessary online meeting tools and support, WIPO aims to bridge distance and facilitate access to justice to all parties across the country.
To date, the WIPO Center has hosted over 20 online mediation meetings, with the parties and mediators involved providing very positive feedback. In addition to streamlining case management for the Judiciary, the online conduct of mediation meetings has had a considerable impact on the participation of the parties in the proceedings, that no longer have to travel long distances or face the challenges of network issues. By equipping the Judiciary of Tanzania with the necessary online meeting tools and support, WIPO aims to bridge distance and facilitate access to justice to all parties across the country.
“Thanks to WIPO for the seamless and efficient online platform that has facilitated the online mediation service offered by the Mediation Center. The impact of the WIPO platform to support our virtual court system in providing online mediation services has been remarkable, enabling us to transcend geographical boundaries and ensuring the continuity of mediation sessions even in the face of challenging circumstances. The positive feedback from our clients reflects the effectiveness of the platform which has gone above and beyond expectations that have undoubtedly contributed to the high level of satisfaction among our clients. As we reflect on these achievements, it is clear that the success of our online mediation services would not have been possible without your tireless efforts.”. Said Judge Zahra Maruma, Judge of the High Court of Tanzania who has used WIPO online meeting platforms in a number of mediation cases.
Some of these mediation cases have also involved parties from other countries, such as India, United States of America, Australia, Korea, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Zambia, Congo, Kenya, South Africa and various regions within Tanzania.
In recent years, the WIPO Center has seen a marked increase in its mediation and arbitration cases (104% in 2022) and collaborates with over 80 IP Offices and courts in different regions to raise awareness and develop efficient dispute resolution options, such as WIPO digital tools. This collaboration sets an example of how Member States can contribute to digitalize and facilitate access to justice, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 as well as SDGs 4 and 5 relating to diversity and inclusion. Digital tools also contribute to reduce the amount of paper produced and handled, supporting SDG 12 on responsible production and consumption.
The WIPO Center stands ready to further support the Judiciary of Tanzania as well as other judiciaries to build an innovative and robust operational infrastructure for the benefit of all parties.
Some of these mediation cases have also involved parties from other countries, such as India, United States of America, Australia, Korea, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Zambia, Congo, Kenya, South Africa and various regions within Tanzania.
In recent years, the WIPO Center has seen a marked increase in its mediation and arbitration cases (104% in 2022) and collaborates with over 80 IP Offices and courts in different regions to raise awareness and develop efficient dispute resolution options, such as WIPO digital tools. This collaboration sets an example of how Member States can contribute to digitalize and facilitate access to justice, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 as well as SDGs 4 and 5 relating to diversity and inclusion. Digital tools also contribute to reduce the amount of paper produced and handled, supporting SDG 12 on responsible production and consumption.
The WIPO Center stands ready to further support the Judiciary of Tanzania as well as other judiciaries to build an innovative and robust operational infrastructure for the benefit of all parties.
Contact
WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center