The recent preparations for the first Congress of Mediators of the Kyrgyz Republic have led to a serious scandal. Members of the organizing committee conducted a market survey of legal services and found that many "specialists" claim to be mediators while lacking the appropriate education or legal rights to practice. The professional community expresses its concern, as cooperation with such "intermediaries" can prove not only useless but also unsafe for citizens.
The main threat lies in the violation of confidentiality. During mediation, whether it involves resolving family disputes, business conflicts, or criminal cases, participants disclose personal information, relying on legal confidentiality. A professional mediator values their reputation and strictly adheres to ethical standards, while impostors bear no responsibility for information leaks. Experts strongly advise citizens to request the mediator's certificate number when seeking assistance.
It is worth noting that the regulations in this area have become stricter. The new Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Mediation," signed by the president on November 14, 2025, establishes that a mediator can only be a citizen over 25 years old with higher education, no criminal record, and possessing a special certificate. Additionally, civil servants are prohibited from engaging in this activity.
To organize the work in the country, a unified Chamber of Mediators will be created—a self-regulating professional association with mandatory membership. This structure will be responsible for approving training standards, an ethical code, and issuing official certificates. All practicing mediators are required to unite into mediation centers—non-profit organizations that will ensure transparency in procedures.
Mediation in Kyrgyzstan is entering a new era. With the law coming into effect, an informational meeting will be mandatory for most civil, family, and labor disputes, as well as for certain criminal cases. At such meetings, a neutral mediator explains to the parties how to resolve the conflict without going to court and incurring unnecessary expenses. The mediator does not have the right to make decisions for the participants and cannot represent them in court—his task is to help the parties hear each other.
The upcoming changes are impressive: to implement the law, it is necessary to prepare at least 1,000 certified mediators. Anyone wishing to receive quality education and become part of the legal registry can already contact the organizing committee to enroll in training. Important issues regarding the development of the industry and mechanisms to protect against fraud will be discussed at the Congress of Mediators, scheduled for March 14, 2026.
