Mongolia: New law to protect human rights defenders 

The Mongolian Parliament recently adopted a new law for human rights defenders, making it the first country in Asia to provide a framework of protection for people who speak out on human rights concerns and violations.

The Law on the Legal Status of Human Rights Defenders entered into force on
1 July. It is the result of a years-long collective effort of UN Human Rights, CSOs and the Government, in cooperation with the UN presence in Mongolia. Under the Law, the critical voices and actions of HRDs are now legally protected and their rights are respected, promoted and fulfilled.

“This is a major achievement for Mongolia, signalling its clear commitment to human rights,” said the High Commissioner for Human Rights. “This Law will resonate within and beyond Mongolia’s borders.” 

The High Commissioner added that as the eyes of the region will be watching the next steps, it will be important that the Law is implemented in compliance with international standards and overseen by an independent, effective and fully resourced mechanism.

For the last several years, UN Human Rights has been supporting Mongolia to implement the recommendations emanating from the UPR process. As part of this process, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders provided a number of recommendations to the Government of Mongolia.

A move to a “safe and enabling environment”

Historically, although HRDs in Mongolia live in a relatively safe environment, they face numerous obstacles, such as pressure, stigmatization and hate speech on social media related to their advocacy on media freedom, climate justice, disability rights, access to housing and discrimination against LGBTI persons.

In 2019, a visit report from the Special Rapporteur highlighted cases of discrimination, harassment and intimidation. Some HRDs were reported to have died in circumstances that were not properly investigated.

“The adoption of this Law is a welcome and critical move to create a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders…and a progressive step towards full protection for their vital work,” stated the High Commissioner. “It will serve to acknowledge their crucial work, bring the perpetrators of attacks against them to justice and end impunity.”

UN Human Rights will continue to provide technical support to Mongolia as it implements the legislation.