Congratulatory Remarks by UN Resident Coordinator for the 25th Anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia

Opening Remarks by Mr. Jaap van Hierden, UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia

Academic Conference

National Human Rights Commission of 

Mongolia for 25 Years: Past, Present, and Future

Your Excellency, Uchral Nyam-Osor, Speaker of the State Great Khural,

Your Excellency, Sunjid Dugar, Chief Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia 

Distinguished Commissioners,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great honor to join you today in commemorating the 25th anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia. This milestone is not only an institutional anniversary, but also a celebration of Mongolia’s enduring commitment to protect the dignity, rights, and freedoms of its people. It is also a moment to reflect on a remarkable journey of growth, cooperation, and leadership within the national human rights system.

Twenty five years ago, Mongolia took a visionary step by establishing an independent human rights institution, and one that has continued to strengthen its mandate, expand its influence, and amplify the voices of those who need protection the most. Today, the NHRCM stands as a trusted guardian of human rights, and a key partner for the United Nations in advancing human rights, justice, and equality for all.

Over the past quarter century, the partnership between the NHRCM and the UN family including UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, ILO, IOM, WHO, and many others, alongside the OHCHR, has grown into a deep, strategic collaboration. Together, we have supported the strengthening of the Commission’s institutional capacity, its monitoring and investigative functions, its outreach to vulnerable communities, and its ability to inform public policy with evidence, and human rights based analysis. 

It is important today to recognize the achievements that have meaningfully shaped Mongolia’s human rights landscape.

• First, the NHRCM has become a respected, trusted institution whose policy recommendations have influenced national legislation and public policy, strengthening legal protections, improving access to justice, and ensuring accountability.
• Second, the Commission’s role in advancing the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, elders, herders, and marginalized groups has helped shine a light on issues that previously received limited visibility.
• Third, its leadership in monitoring places of detention, documenting rights violations, promoting non discrimination has significantly advanced Mongolia’s compliance with international human rights standards.
• Fourth, the Commission has evolved into an essential bridge between the State, UN, civil society, and the public promoting dialogue, transparency, and trust. Each of these areas represents not only successful collaboration, but also real improvements in the lives of people across this country.

As Mongolia continues to advance its national development priorities, the role of the NHRCM will grow more central. The Commission sits at the heart of the national human rights system, uniquely positioned to provide independent oversight and guidance to public institutions and help ensure that no one is left behind.

In today’s rapidly changing world, shaped by new technologies, climate change, demographic shifts, and evolving social expectations, the NHRCM will continue to be essential in identifying new rights challenges, promoting inclusive policy responses, and safeguarding the dignity of all.

The UN Mongolia remains fully committed to supporting the Commission in this role. Through continued collaboration with UN agencies, we will deepen our partnership to strengthen institutional independence, expand evidence based human rights monitoring, and reinforce the Commission’s role as a national leader in rights based development.

As we celebrate these 25 years, we are also looking to the next 25. The challenges ahead are significant, but so is the promise. The strength of Mongolia’s human rights architecture lies in its institutions, its people, and its values. And among these institutions, the NHRCM stands as one of the most vital. Let us move forward together with a shared commitment to uphold the rights of every person in Mongolia.

On behalf of the UN in Mongolia, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Chief Commissioner, to all current and former Commissioners and staff members, and to every partner who has walked this journey, together. We look forward to writing the next chapter with you.

Thank you. Баярлалаа.