What is the primary role of a mediator?

The primary role of a mediator is to facilitate communication between parties involved in a dispute. Mediators are neutral third parties who work to help the disputing individuals or groups understand each other's perspectives and find common ground. Their goal is to create an environment conducive to dialogue and collaboration so that the parties can explore possible solutions together, without imposing any decisions or judgments.

Facilitating communication is crucial because disputes often arise from misunderstandings or a lack of effective dialogue. By guiding the conversation and ensuring that each party has the opportunity to express their viewpoints, a mediator helps to clarify issues and reduce the emotional intensity of the conflict. This enables the parties to negotiate more constructively and reach a mutually agreeable resolution.

In contrast, judges or those who provide evidence or take sides do not fulfill the mediator's role. A judge makes decisions based on the law and evidence presented in court, while providing evidence is a function of presenting facts rather than mediating a discussion. Similarly, choosing a side goes against the mediator's obligation to remain impartial and unbiased, as they should not advocate for one party over another.