Originally from Dispute Resolution Journal

Conciliation and mediation use similar processes to resolve disputes. Within the international context, however, conciliation is relied upon more frequently than mediation. Conciliation strays from the pure model of mediation in that the conciliator evaluates the dispute and reaches his or her own conclusion as to a just resolution.l This resolution is then proposed to the parties for their approval or rejection.2 In contrast, a mediator's role is to facilitate a resolution of the conflict by the parties, not to suggest solutions.3 The main difference, therefore, is whether the third party offers suggestions for resolution or simply lets the parties achieve a solution on their own. The differences between the methods are slight and the benefits or drawbacks accruing to either method seem negligible.