Aynura Baratova, a mediator, clearly demonstrated to farmers the advantages of mediation compared to court proceedings. In rural areas, conflicts over water resource distribution, land boundaries, and debts can last for years. A court may issue a ruling, but its enforcement is often questionable if one party is unwilling to settle. Mediation allows for the identification of the root causes of disputes. A striking example is the case of former judge Gulsara Zaripova: two villagers who had been arguing for 12 years over a debt of 10,000 soms finally found a resolution through a mediator who helped them understand that the conflict stemmed from long-standing rumors. As a result, they not only repaid the debt adjusted for inflation but also restored their relationship.
For the agricultural sector, mediation represents a significant savings in both time and finances. Instead of spending money on lawyers and waiting years for a court decision, farmers can resolve their disputes in just a few meetings. This is especially important for those planning to obtain loans or develop cooperatives, as unresolved legal issues often hinder business development. The effectiveness of mediation is also evident in family matters: a professional mediator can help spouses establish dialogue and avoid divorce, restoring peace in the family.
The state intends to implement strict control in this area to protect citizens from unqualified practitioners. Now, a mediator can only be a qualified specialist over 25 years old, with no legal issues, who has undergone training and obtained the appropriate certification. Civil servants are not allowed to work in this profession. All mediators will be united in a single Chamber of Mediators, which will oversee compliance with ethics and quality standards. The reform is large-scale: the country needs to prepare at least a thousand certified professionals. All the nuances of the new system and the mechanisms for operating the registry will be discussed at the upcoming Congress of Mediators, which will take place on March 14, 2026. Meanwhile, experts recommend: before going to court, consider negotiating through a professional mediator — it could save you a lot of time and effort.
