Global justice gap can be addressed by a Hong Kong legal institution, according to the Justice Minister's assertion.
Hong Kong's Justice Secretary, Paul Lam Ting-kwok, has asserted that the establishment of an international mediation body, the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), based in the city, could effectively supplement existing global dispute resolution systems.
Speaking at a mediation forum on Friday, Lam emphasized the benefits of an intergovernmental mediation organization in resolving international disputes. He pointed out that such an organization, backed by the collective support of its member states, would boast increased legitimacy and authority over other mediation entities.
The IOMed, if established in Hong Kong, could broaden the scope of mediation, addressing not just commercial and investment disagreements, but also complex international political disputes. By doing so, it would extend the reach of mediation as a tool for international peace and security.
Lam also addressed the advantages of Hong Kong as the base for the IOMed. Its mature legal system, underpinned by both common and civil law traditions, provides a solid foundation for mediation. The city's geographic and cultural neutrality, furthermore, makes it an appealing venue for parties hailing from diverse backgrounds.
Hosting the IOMed would strengthen Hong Kong's standing as a hub for international legal and mediation services in Asia, bringing both economic and professional benefits. The city's proven track record in court-annexed mediation, including "super mediation," bolsters its reputation as an effective venue for resolving intricate disputes.
The setting up of the IOMed in Hong Kong marks a significant stride towards a more cooperative and effective means of managing international disagreements. The organization is expected to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, promoting dialogue and consensus over adversarial approaches.
The International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), when established in Hong Kong, could extend the reach of mediation in finance and business matters, addressing complex international commercial and investment disputes.
Hong Kong's mature legal system and geographic and cultural neutrality make it an ideal base for the IOMed, enabling it to effectively uphold the principles of dialogue and consensus in finance and business mediation.
