Abdukayum, 68, Tajikistan

Abdukayum is 68. He has his own house with a big plot of irrigated land, where he spends most of his time working. His neighbours knew he lived alone and had almost nobody to protect his interests, so they took advantage of him.

They sent someone to negotiate with Abdukayum to transfer some pieces of his land to them. He had too much land to cultivate alone, so he agreed to rent some of it to his neighbours, as it would bring some benefit to him.

Three years passed, and his neighbours had grown crops on his land each year, without ever paying him. At first, he tried to talk to them in an amicable way but was met with abuse and insults. He decided to apply to HelpAge partner, the NVCT for advice and help.

Negotiation then compensation

NVCT employee Oksana tackled the problem by collecting all necessary documents and submitting Abdukayum's case.

She suggested both parties solve the problem through negotiation and find a compromise. The alternative was to initiate a criminal case against Abdukayum's neighbours.

This forced Abdukayum's neighbours to solve the land dispute through negotiation. Without taking extreme action, Abdukayum got not only moral, but also material compensation of US$500.

In addition, he got an in-kind payment of his neighbour's car as they couldn't pay him. This car now is available to use for NVCT social club members, whenever required.