The experience of the «Boutique du droit»

Peace Times 11

«Boutique du Droit», the boutique of rights. This is the unusual sign which is displayed in a street of Lyon (France). In fact, it is that of the «Peace Mediators», a group of volunteers who offer to find solutions to small conflicts, such as arguments with neighbours or who has the right of way. In an area commonly described as «hot», the service is expanding rapidly within the multi-ethnic community, until now used to solving problems with rustic duels... For this reason there are some very precise rules: «The mediator has to believe that the parties can reach an agreement; the mediator has the aim of getting the parties to communicate; the mediator has to know how to listen. Because, it is the parties involved, not the mediator, who have to make an agreement», explain the French volunteers; who, armed only with kindness, help the rivals to take another look at their problems and find a peaceful solution.

r.p.