Mediation in the Asia-Pacific Region: Transforming Conflicts and Building Peace by Dale Bagshaw & Elisabeth Porter

Author:Dale Bagshaw & Elisabeth Porter [Bagshaw, Dale & Porter, Elisabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781134009930
Goodreads: 17474139
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 2009-09-10T00:00:00+00:00

Spirituality and Kastom mediation

As seen from the examples provided, our collaboration does not always go smoothly. In addition to the challenges previously discussed, some of the differences between Kastom and Western mediation are so stark that they impact on our ability as collaborative partners to adequately conceptualize a way to address them. For example, the differences between the spiritual and secular orientation of Ni-Vanuatu and Western mediators have presented a particular challenge for our partnership. Several times throughout our collaboration, representatives of the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs have voiced their concern over the role that sorcery plays in conflicts they are required to mediate. However, when they have raised this issue inside the partnership, the Australian counterparts have largely responded with silence. Finding ways to deal respectfully with such differences is imperative if we are to strengthen Kastom mediation as requested. For example, the day we flew out of Port Vila after the 2007 storian, a death occurred in a conflict involving claims of sorcery (Sydney Morning Herald 2007). Port Vila was placed under a strict curfew for two weeks, which restricted the movement of the chiefs who are knowledgeable in dealing with conflicts involving sorcery and would later be instrumental in the resolution of this conflict.

Conflicts involving sorcery in Ni-Vanuatu communities continue to increase, along with the pressure to improve ways of mediating them. For example, during the March 2008 storian, one of the chiefs from the Efate Island Council of Chiefs approached ACPACS facilitators because, since the 2007 state of emergency, he had noticed an increase in the use of sorcery on the island. Historically Efate people (the province in which Port Vila lies) have not used sorcery and the local chiefs have no Kastom for dealing with it. However, people coming from other islands to Efate bring their Kastoms with them, including sorcery. This chief requested that we research ways in which members of their Council of Chiefs could more effectively manage and mediate allegations of sorcery (Westoby 2008).

Dealing with spiritual issues that fall outside of the regular practice of Western mediation is crucial in countries where indigenous peoples seek training and assistance in mediation. Ian McDuff (2003a, 2003b) takes up this issue in two seminal articles drawing on the history of contemporary Maori/ Pakeha conflict in New Zealand. He asked mediators how they would deal with the concept of a Taniwha (a spiritual being that is of importance to many Maoris) being considered as an interested party in a mediation over a land dispute. Mediators who responded indicated the central importance (as well as the challenges) of finding ways to engage respectfully with the spiritual values and beliefs of all parties in a cross-cultural mediation. Kevin Avruch’s (cited in McDuff 2003b) response was that spiritual beliefs shape mediations regardless of whether they are the lesser known spiritual beliefs of minorities, or the spiritual beliefs of secular-style mediators. John Hurley commented on the importance of honoring the knowledge of those who know how to navigate the waters of spirituality and conflict.

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