What is the purpose of conciliation in a dispute?

The purpose of conciliation in a dispute is to help both parties reach a mutually acceptable solution. In this process, a conciliator engages with both sides to understand their perspectives and interests, facilitating communication and negotiation. The goal is to resolve the conflict amicably without the need for more formal legal proceedings or adversarial approaches. Conciliation is characterized by its collaborative nature, aiming to promote understanding and compromise, ultimately leading to a resolution that satisfies both parties.

In contrast, investigating the issue and passing a judgment is more aligned with an adjudicative process, where a judge or jury makes a binding decision. Inviting a mediator to make an arbitrated decision suggests a more formal arbitration process, where the mediator's role shifts from facilitating dialogue to providing a final ruling, which is not the essence of conciliation. Creating a public forum for the dispute does not focus on resolution, but rather on raising awareness or demonstrating the conflict, which does not align with the goal of fostering a consensual agreement.