12 Introduction settle their dispute. This system was introduced to expedite resolution, reduce costs, and enhance the remedial effect. The effect of mediation specified under Paragraph 2 of Article 42 of the NHRCK Act and of any decisions made in lieu of a mediation when no complaint is filed as per Paragraph 6 of the same Article1) is equivalent to the effect of reconciliation in court. Since 2016, the Commission has revised the mediation rules, publicized the mediation system, and facilitated mediation participation in view of raising the promptness and effectiveness of the mediation scheme. In 2017, a total of 36 applications were received, of which 19 cases reached a mediation agreement. [Table 1-1-2] Mediation requests received and handled in 2017 (in numbers of requests) Cases completed Received 36 Handled (①+②+③) 43 Decided otherwise Mediated Not mediated ① ② Accepted Not accepted Rejected ③ 19 4 (1) - 20 * The figure between parenthesis under the “decided otherwise” category is reflected in the “mediated” or “not mediated” category. Secretariat As of December 2017, the Commission’s Secretariat is led by the Secretary General and consists of three bureaus, 14 divisions, one team, and five affiliated institutions. The number of personnel is 195, including 157 in the headquarters and 38 in the affiliated institutions. 1) Article 42 (Mediation by Mediation Committee) ② Mediation shall be completed at the time when, after the procedures therefor are initiated, both parties state the compromised matters in mediation documents, and sign and seal such documents, and the competent mediation committee, in turn, ascertains no flaw of those documents. ⑥ If any party fails to file a complaint within 14 days after he/she has been served with a written decision under paragraph 5, he/she shall be deemed to have accepted the mediation.