The International Organizations (Privileges and Immunities) (International Organization for Mediation) Order was gazetted today (November 28).

     The Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation was signed by the People's Republic of China and various foreign states on May 30, 2025, in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and entered into force for the People's Republic of China (including the HKSAR) and other ratifying foreign states on August 29, 2025. Pursuant to the Convention, the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) is established in the HKSAR. At the first Governing Council meeting on October 20, 2025, the IOMed was authorised to commence its operations as of the same date. Under the Convention, legal status is conferred to the IOMed, and privileges and immunities are granted to the IOMed and to persons connected with it.
      
     The Order seeks to recognise the legal status of the IOMed in the HKSAR and implement the privileges and immunities as provided under the Convention.

     A spokesperson for the Department of Justice said, "The IOMed is the first international intergovernmental legal organisation in the world specialising in the settlement of international disputes by providing friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services. The IOMed is also the first international intergovernmental organisation with its headquarters being set up in Hong Kong. The establishment of the IOMed will strengthen the city's positioning as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services, supporting Hong Kong's development into a global mediation capital."

     The Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council under the International Organizations (Privileges and Immunities) Ordinance (Cap. 558).

     The Order is deemed to have come into operation on August 29, 2025 (i.e. the date when the Convention entered into force) and will be tabled before the next Legislative Council Session (in 2026) for negative vetting.

Ends/Friday, November 28, 2025
Issued at HKT 12:04

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