Aynura Baratova, a mediator, vividly demonstrated to farmers the advantages of the mediation process compared to court proceedings. In villages, prolonged conflicts often arise related to water distribution, property boundaries, or unpaid debts. A court may issue a ruling, but will it be enforced if neighbors continue to harbor resentment? The mediation approach allows for a deeper examination of the root causes of conflicts. A striking example is provided by former judge Gulsara Zaripova: two neighbors argued over a debt of 10,000 soms for 12 years. After going to court, the issue remained unresolved until it was discovered in a meeting with a mediator that the reasons for the dispute were rooted in long-standing rumors. Ultimately, both parties not only repaid the debt adjusted for inflation (which equated to the cost of 10 bags of flour) but also found common ground.
For the agricultural sector, mediation primarily means significant savings in time and resources. Instead of lengthy proceedings and expenses on lawyers, farmers can resolve conflicts in just a few meetings. This is especially important for those planning to take out loans or develop cooperatives, as old legal issues can hinder business growth. The effectiveness of the mediation approach is also evident in family matters: professional mediators help spouses hear each other, which often leads not to divorce but to the restoration of harmony in the family.
The state actively monitors this area to protect citizens from incompetent mediators. Now, only certified specialists over the age of 25, with no criminal record and who have undergone training, can become mediators. The path to the profession is closed for civil servants. All mediators will unite into a single Chamber, which will oversee ethical standards and the quality of work. The scale of the reform is impressive: the country needs to prepare at least a thousand certified specialists. All details of the new system and the mechanisms of the registry will be discussed at the upcoming Congress of Mediators, scheduled for March 14, 2026. At present, specialists recommend: before filing a lawsuit, try to find a solution to the problem through a professional mediator — this can save you a lot of time and effort.
