CIVILISATIONAL PROGRESS AND THE ROLE OF MEDIATION IN PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS

Abstract

This article examines the interrelated evolution of civilisation, human rights, and mediation, contending that societal advancement is closely associated with the institutionalisation of non-violent dispute resolution mechanisms and the acknowledgment of inherent human dignity. As societies developed from relatively simple tribal structures into complex nation-states, approaches to conflict management shifted from coercion and force toward diplomacy and formal legal systems. Concurrently, human rights emerged as a fundamental normative pillar of modern civilisation, embodying a collective commitment to justice, equality, and the rule of law. Mediation, functioning both as a longstanding cultural practice and a contemporary legal instrument, operates as a crucial link between cultural plurality and universal human rights principles. It facilitates constructive dialogue and negotiated settlements while preserving fundamental freedoms. Drawing on examples from post-conflict settings and international peacebuilding initiatives, this study demonstrates that mediation not only addresses disputes effectively but also strengthens civilisational norms and protects human rights, particularly within diverse and pluralistic societies.