UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk Concludes Official Visit to Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar, 13 May 2026 — United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk concluded a two-day official visit to Mongolia on 10–11 May, marked by high-level engagements with government leaders, civil society, and public advocacy on the centrality of human rights in sustainable development.
 

High-level meetings with state leadership

During his visit, High Commissioner Türk held productive discussions with Mongolia’s top leadership, including the Prime Minister H.E Uchral Nyam-Osor, Speaker of Parliament H.E Byambatsogt Sandag, Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E Battsetseg Batmunkh, and Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, H.E Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan, and the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia. In these meetings, High Commissioner Türk discussed democratic governance, development, and human rights integration, while both sides reaffirmed commitments to inclusive growth, legislative alignment with international standards, and strengthened accountability.

He underscored the importance of sustaining public trust in institutions, including independent judiciary and the rule of law, which are fundamental for the social contract.

Mr. Turk appreciated Mongolia’s strong human rights framework in law, an independent National Human Rights Commission, and an active civil society. It has also adopted the first-ever law for the protection of human rights defenders in the region.

In talks with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the High Commissioner welcomed Mongolia’s active engagement in multilateral human rights fora. The parties signed a declaration of intention and the roadmap for the establishment of a UN Regional Human Rights Training and Research Centre in Ulaanbaatar. 

 

Public lecture underscores human rights at the heart of development

A key highlight of the visit was the High Commissioner’s public lecture on human rights, delivered to an audience of students, academics, policymakers, and development partners in Ulaanbaatar. In his remarks, Türk stressed that “human rights are the bedrock of a more peaceful world based on stronger, more resilient societies.”

He also underscored the need to address emerging challenges, including climate change, digital transformation, and inequality, through a human rights-based approach.

Read his full remarks here

Engagement with civil society

Mr. Türk met with representatives of civil society organizations, acknowledging their critical role in promoting accountability and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Participants raised issues ranging from environmental protection and gender equality to civic space and transparency. The High Commissioner reaffirmed the UN’s support for a “safe and enabling environment for civil society to operate freely and meaningfully contribute to national development.”

Dialogue with the UN and diplomatic community

The High Commissioner also met with the UN Country Team and members of the diplomatic community, where he discussed strengthening coordination on human rights priorities and enhancing collective support to Mongolia’s development agenda.

Cultural and spiritual engagement

In a symbolic engagement reflecting Mongolia’s cultural heritage, Türk met with the Abbot of Buddhism and visited the Gandantegchilen Monastery, one of the country’s spiritual centers. The visit highlighted the importance of intercultural dialogue and the role of faith leaders in promoting peace, compassion, and human dignity.

Closing press conference

At a press conference concluding his mission, High Commissioner Türk expressed appreciation for the openness and constructive dialogue he encountered during the visit.

“As a friend to this country, I would like to encourage Mongolia to continue to be a trend-setter – in the region and beyond – in enshrining human rights protections in its laws and policies and ensuring robust implementation,” he said. 

He reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Mongolia in advancing its human rights obligations and building an inclusive and resilient future.

 

Read his full statement at the Press Conference.