Brussels to launch awareness campaign on solving neighborhood conflicts via mediation

The City of Brussels is planning to launch an awareness campaign on sorting out neighbourhood conflicts via Bravvo, its local conflict mediation service, as per reports.

As per Mayor Philippe Close, “With the campaign, we want to point out that Bravvo’s four local mediators are ready at any time to facilitate communication and dialogue between neighbours,” said Mayor Philippe Close.

“Tensions between neighbours are part of city life. We must learn to address each other in time, to show our good will, to prevent tensions from degenerating into uncontrollable conflict,” added Close.

Bravvo wants to form residents abouts it free mediation service through flyers, posters and face-to-face meetings in different neighbourhoods in Brussels, including the city centre, the Marolles, the Chaussée D’Anvers by Schaerbeek, Laeken and Cité Modèle,

Residents can contact four local mediators for free in case of local disputes among neighbours. The mediators will first hear the application’s explanation of the case, then they will try to get an appointment with the other person to hear their version and suggest mediation from there. If both parties agree, an initial meeting is arranged to find a solution that works for everyone.

Bravvo encourages people to get in touch the moment there is any tension. “We want to let people know that we are here and that they should contact us as soon as possible,” stressed Nurinnisa Balci, Bravvo’s local mediator in the Northern Quarter of Brussels.

“Good mediation offers a faster and more sustainable solution than legal proceedings. It has been proven that a negotiated solution calms a situation better than a bad trial with a winner and a loser.”