In light of this reality, the Academic and Social Criminological Observatory (OCAS) proposes the creation of a Center for Mediation and Conflict Resolution, conceived as a technical, academic, and community space that articulates mediation, criminological research, and professional training with the purpose of strengthening restorative justice and peaceful coexistence.
In the national context, social conflicts and the increase in the perception of citizen insecurity demand strategies that transcend traditional punitive models. Through dialogue and inter-institutional cooperation, it is aspired to build a national mediation network that promotes sustainable, peaceful, and socially just solutions.
The expected impact of this proposal transcends the academic sphere, as it aims to generate a cultural transformation that positions mediation as a legitimate and effective mechanism for conflict resolution. It also seeks to revalue the role of the criminologist and the mediator as fundamental actors in the construction of social peace and in the consolidation of more inclusive and humane public policies.
The creation of the Center for Mediation and Conflict Resolution, OCAS, represents a concrete opportunity to advance towards a more restorative, participatory, and preventive justice.
This lack not only represents a loss of academic capital but also a missed opportunity for the institutional strengthening of the country in terms of social crime prevention.
In the face of this situation, the creation of the OCAS Center for Mediation and Conflict Resolution is posed as a strategic response to link academia with social action.
The center would serve as a multidisciplinary space that articulates community mediation, professional training, and applied criminological research. Its operation would be oriented towards the development of mediation programs in communities, the elaboration of territorial diagnostics on social conflict, and the execution of reintegration projects aimed at young people in situations of vulnerability or deprived of liberty.
This initiative, in addition to strengthening knowledge management, seeks to consolidate a model of collaboration between the community, academia, and the State, based on evidence and citizen participation.
Procedure for Community Mediation
By Luis Carlos Samudio G.
Lawyer, teacher, and mediator
The social and criminological dynamics that characterize the current panorama of Panama show the urgency of adopting innovative mechanisms to prevent and transform conflicts.
To bring peace to the population.
Therefore, the Academic and Social Criminological Observatory (OCAS) is prepared to work on the creation of territorial criminological diagnostics through community protocols by districts and corregimientos, as well as to strengthen alliances between institutions to prevent violence.
Let's work together in favor of peaceful coexistence!
In a country where social tensions are increasingly complex, betting on communication and mutual understanding is an ethical and strategic decision.
As an institution committed to research, education, and social justice, the Observatory reaffirms that dialogue and mediation not only resolve disputes but also transform relationships, strengthen communities, and build the foundations of a peaceful and sustainable coexistence.
Restorative justice, as proposed by Zehr (2002), focuses on repairing the harm caused by conflict and restoring social relations through dialogue, empathy, and shared responsibility.
From this perspective, mediation is presented as an essential tool for the peaceful resolution of disputes, fostering citizen participation and consolidating a culture of peace.
The Academic and Social Criminological Observatory, aware of the need to promote intervention from academia, has been developing joint initiatives with universities and non-governmental organizations to generate spaces for reflection, community action, and specialized training.
However, a structural limitation is observed: the low labor insertion of criminology graduates, who face obstacles to applying their knowledge in practical environments.
