Statement by Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator for Mongolia under the Auspices of the Resident of Mongolia "National Human Rights Forum-2023"

• Your Excellency, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, The President of Mongolia,
• Your Excellency, Gombojaviin Zandanshatar, Chairman of the State Great Khural of Mongolia
• Your Excellency, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, Prime Minister of Mongolia
• Your Excellency, Axelle Nicaise, EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Mongolia 
• Your Excellency, Sunjid Dugar Chief Commissioner and Commissioners of the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia

Dear distinguished Human Rights Defenders,

Ladies, and gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to make opening remarks at this National Human Rights Forum under the auspices of the President of Mongolia. Seventy-five years ago today, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Commemoration of the historical milestone on International Human Rights Day, on behalf of the UN Country Team in Mongolia and in my capacity as UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia, I extend my warm greetings to this Forum Participants and all people of Mongolia.

UDHR is the global landmark document for international, national, and local laws and policies. Equality, dignity, freedom, justice, participation in decisions – and the full range of civil and political rights, economic, social, and cultural rights, together the with right to development are the foundations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Since the adoption of the UDHR in 1948, human rights have been more guaranteed and recognized around the world including in Mongolia. On the international stage, Mongolia has been a strong voice for protecting human rights and advancing democratic values. Since 1961, Mongolia has signed and adopted an extensive international and national legislative framework and it is equipped with a significant number of judicial and other institutions which are entrusted with promoting and protecting human rights.

However, we witnessed on many occasions, that ordinary citizens, especially young people at the peaceful demonstrations just one year ago, expressed the lack of implementation and enforcement of this Universal Declaration. Some expressed concerns about the functioning or even the independence of law enforcement institutions, revealing significant distrust in their capacity to protect human rights and justice. It is critical for these institutions to be solid, independent, transparent, and impartial, and to be seen as such.

I heard that hundreds of young people have been leaving Mongolia in the past few years. The talent drain is a cause for real concern, and I hope the Mongolian government can find solutions and implement effective measures to stem the outflow. It is not just about the lack of jobs, but it is also because of perceived corruption and the lack of trust in the authorities, institutions, and public services. Mongolia has so much to offer, and I truly hope that you as the Mongolian leaders stand united and put this young country’s best interests first - for the benefit of everyone.

According to this Forum’s main agenda, digital technologies are creating many new human rights challenges, like disinformation, which contributes to dividing and polarizing societies. Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss threaten all human rights. The Covid pandemic widened the inequalities in our society and across the world, and it drove thousands of people into poverty.

Addressing them effectively requires clear actions grounded in human rights, renewed political commitment, and participation of all, especially those most affected. We need a new social contract that more fairly shares power, resources, and opportunities and sets the foundations of a sustainable human rights-based economy.

Human rights must be at the center of governance – not just in beautiful speeches by high-level officials. They must be the common thread, running through all aspects of governance, economy, and society. The National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia has a particularly critical role in advancing human rights and freedoms in Mongolia. This institution must be trusted by all people in Mongolia and proactively promote and protect human rights as well as the work of civil society actors.

As all of you know 2023 is a critical year for us. UN Mongolia and the Government of Mongolia have launched the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) from 2023 to 2027. This Cooperation framework must deliver tangible development results for the people of Mongolia and be well aligned with Mongolia’s long-term development policy Vision 2050, and Mongolia’s international human rights obligations. I wanted to highlight this Cooperation Framework, will be implemented with an emphasis on “development cooperation” with the Government and partners rather than “development assistance”. Therefore, I invite all people of Mongolia to reflect on how we can all advance this important cause, so we can further build a safer, fairer, and more equal world for everyone.

Finally, I would like to thank all the forum participants and the organizers of the National Forum. I hope that this Forum will be the main stage for national human rights dialogue and will discuss and shape solutions related to human rights challenges in Mongolia.

We, the UN in Mongolia, stand ready to support the Government of Mongolia and other institutions’ efforts in achieving SDGs through a Human Rights-Based Approach.

Wish you all a very successful National Human Rights Forum. Thank you.

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