The new Mediation Ordinance will come into operation on January 1. A commencement notice was published in the Government Gazette today.

The ordinance provides a regulatory framework for the conduct of mediation without hampering the flexibility of the mediation process. The aim of the ordinance is to promote, encourage and facilitate the resolution of disputes by mediation, and protect the confidential nature of mediation communications.

With mediation becoming increasingly used in many different jurisdictions around the world to resolve disputes other than through litigation in the courts, the ordinance will enhance Hong Kong's status as a leading centre for dispute resolution in the Asia-Pacific region.

The ordinance was prepared with the advice of the Secretary for Justice's Mediation Task Force and its Mediation Ordinance Group.