The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $100 million policy-based loan to help accelerate and sustain investment in climate action in Mongolia.

The Accelerating Climate Investment Program (Subprogram 1) will help Mongolia achieve its nationally determined contribution (NDC) and implement its National Adaptation Plan (NAP), including promoting gender-responsive actions.

“The program will help Mongolia anchor climate action in national plans and budgets and catalyze public and private climate finance to accelerate a low-carbon, inclusive, and resilient economy,” said ADB Country Director for Mongolia Shannon Cowlin. “This will be achieved by developing climate investment programs, mobilizing affordable and accessible climate finance, and improving the ease of doing business in key sectors.”

Mongolia is vulnerable to climate-related hazards and is particularly at risk of the impacts of global warming. Rising temperatures and intensifying aridity threaten many Mongolians' traditional nomadic herding lifestyle. The severity and frequency of climate-related hazards, like dzuds, have been increasing, causing high livestock mortality. Women and vulnerable communities, such as herders and rural to urban migrants, are most affected by these climate change risks.

The program will help strengthen the institutional framework, investment planning, and budgeting system for climate action. This will include policy actions that would catalyze investments in renewable energy generation; energy efficiency use in the buildings sector; and climate-resilient agriculture, livestock, and food processing.

It will help enhance climate finance and resource management by strengthening the funding and financing of investments in climate action through the issuance of green and sustainable bonds and increasing the green loan portfolio of the banking sector. It also aims to improve the sector investment pathways to low-carbon and climate-resilient development, focusing on energy and agriculture.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

The draft resolution on the approval of the parliament's Strategic Plan for 2024-2028 was discussed in a regular session of the parliament. This follows the amendment made last spring to the Law on Parliament, which allows the parliament to work with a strategic plan during its term and to discuss and approve it as soon as a new parliament is formed after the elections.

The draft resolution was initially discussed on November 14, where members had the opportunity to ask questions and express their opinions based on the conclusions of the Standing Committee. The project was brought up again for a vote. A majority of the 104 members who participated in the general session supported the adoption of the strategic plan for the 2024-2028 term.

The Strategic Plan outlines key goals and initiatives aimed at addressing the nation’s challenges and promoting long-term stability, economic growth, and sustainable development. The approval of this plan reportedly marks a significant step in the country's political and governance landscape, with the parliament now working with a formal strategic blueprint during its term of office. Under the new amendments to the Law on the Parliament, the government is required to develop and approve a strategic plan as soon as a new parliament is formed after elections. This strategic approach ensures continuity and focused efforts on national priorities, regardless of changing political leadership.

The 2024-2028 Strategic Plan focuses on several critical areas, including economic development and diversification which is one of the main pillars of the strategic plan to foster economic growth through diversification. Mongolia aims to reduce its dependency on extractive industries, particularly mining, by investing in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and tourism. The plan highlights the importance of creating jobs, improving productivity, and boosting foreign investment in emerging industries.

Enhancing infrastructure is another priority, with the government looking to improve transportation, energy, and digital connectivity across the country. This includes upgrading road networks, expanding access to reliable energy, and increasing broadband access in rural areas to ensure that all citizens can participate in the digital economy. Mongolia’s vast landscapes face significant environmental challenges, including desertification and air pollution in urban areas.

The 2024-2028 Strategic Plan also emphasizes sustainable resource management, renewable energy development, and the protection of biodiversity. A strong focus is placed on addressing climate change and promoting green technologies. Education and healthcare reform are essential to ensuring a prosperous future for Mongolia’s citizens. The strategic plan sets ambitious goals to improve access to quality education, particularly in rural and underserved regions, and to expand healthcare services, with an emphasis on preventive care and modernizing health facilities.

Strengthening governance, enhancing transparency, and fighting corruption are also key components of the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. The government plans to implement measures to ensure more accountable leadership and improve the delivery of public services to citizens. Lastly, in terms of international relations and diplomacy, Mongolia’s foreign policy will focus on maintaining balanced relations with neighboring countries and expanding its international partnerships. The strategic plan outlines efforts to strengthen Mongolia’s position in the global community through increased trade, cultural exchange, and participation in international organizations.

On November 13, the European Union, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) jointly organized an event titled “Green Economy, Green Business - Energy Transition”, focusing on Mongolia’s energy transition towards more sustainable practices. The event brought together key stakeholders, including EU Ambassador to Mongolia IIna Marciulionyte and resident representative of the EBRD in Mongolia Hannes Takacs.

In his opening speech, CEO of the MNCCI T.Duuren highlighted the importance of aligning Mongolia’s energy policies with international agreements such as the Paris Agreement. He emphasized the country’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with its Nationally Determined Contribution targets and other strategic documents, such as the National Green Development Policy and government’s energy policy. According to a study by the Dayan Global Institute, Mongolia’s greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants are projected to reach approximately 56 million tons by 2035. However, the study also showed that by adopting renewable energy solutions and improving energy efficiency, Mongolia could halve its emissions by 2035.

He also noted the urgent need to increase the production and consumption of renewable energy and implement public-private partnership projects to ensure sustainable energy development. He also mentioned that in September 2023, the Energy Council was established under MNCCI to encourage greater private sector participation in the renewable energy sector.

In his remarks, Hannes Takacs discussed the bank’s efforts to support countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering energy efficiency. He acknowledged that while increasing energy tariffs in Mongolia could strain household incomes, there is also significant potential for the development of renewable energy systems. Takacs pointed out that implementing energy efficiency measures could reduce Mongolia’s energy consumption by up to 25 percent, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydropower, which Mongolia has considerable potential to harness but has not yet fully exploited. Takacs stressed that most of the country’s energy production still relies on coal, contributing significantly to its emissions.

A key part of the event was the panel discussion on “Greenhouse Gas Calculations, Sustainable Financing and Private Sector Support”. During the discussion, General Secretary of MNCCI S.Bayasgalan highlighted the role of private sector organizations in addressing greenhouse gas emissions and their responsibility in adopting energy-saving solutions. He emphasized that enterprises are increasingly focusing on renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, which can lead to both environmental benefits and increased income by supplying surplus energy to the national grid.

The event also provided participants with detailed information on the EBRD’s green loan financing and green consulting services. Experts discussed how greenhouse gas emissions are calculated at the enterprise level, and the role of the private sector in implementing energy-saving solutions and sustainable financing models. Government policies and the private sector’s participation in green economy initiatives were key topics, with representatives from business associations, enterprises and energy companies in attendance to learn more about greenhouse gas calculations and how to engage with the green economy.

The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Mongolia and Japan entered into force in June 2016 and has been implemented since 2017. The Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) intends to develop a recommendation on improving the Agreement's implementation and submit it to the relevant state authorities of the two countries. As part of this initiative, MNCCI organized a discussion on November 13, 2024, to resolve the challenges faced by businesses in implementing the EPA.

Under the Economic Partnership Agreement, Mongolia agreed to lower import customs tariffs on approximately 5,700 types of goods in 97 groups, while Japan committed to reducing tariffs on about 9,300 types of goods in 97 groups. Since the agreement entered into force in June 2016, Mongolia has exempted customs taxes on 59 percent of these imported goods (3,429 types) and Japan on 86 percent (8,000 types). However, statistical data indicates that Mongolia's export types and quantities have not significantly increased.

Ts. Tsend-Ayush, Executive Director of the Woolen Handicrafts Support Center NGO, said, “We have been exporting felt slippers to Japan for more than 10 years, but the trade has not been expanded. The main reason is the discrepancy in HS codes. Even though felt is exempted, felt slippers are not exempted as a product for shoes and footwear. If the code issue is resolved, the export of felt products to Japan can expand.”

Executive Director of the Association of Non-Mining Exporters Ch. Nergui emphasized, “There has been no significant progress in trade between the two countries. Though eight years have passed since the agreement was signed, Mongolia has been still exporting only a few types of goods, including wool and wool products that we used to export. The businesses of Mongolia and the MNCCI should critically examine the reasons for this stagnation. Considering the cultural differences between Mongolia and Japan, it would be more effective to export products specifically tailored to the Japanese market. Rather than promoting sea buckthorn's health benefits to a nation with millennia-old tea culture, it would be more appealing to develop tea products that align with Japanese culture while incorporating Mongolian elements."

The proposals made by the participants will be presented at a meeting of the Mongolia-Japan Joint Subcommittee on November 27, 2024, to discuss the implementation, improvement, and reduction of trade and tariff barriers of the Agreement.

Since the establishment of the Vietnam-Mongolia diplomatic ties on November 17, 1954, the traditional friendship between the two countries has been continuously strengthened and grown.

Mongolia was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam, and Vietnam was the first country in Southeast Asia with which Mongolia set up diplomatic ties.

Just one year after the establishment of the diplomatic relations, President Ho Chi Minh made his first visit to Mongolia in July 1955, part of his first overseas trip following the restoration of peace in North Vietnam.

President Ho Chi Minh’s visit and the subsequent Vietnam visit by Yumjaagiin Tsedenbal, First Secretary of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, in September 1959, were of great significance to the two peoples, laying the foundation for their traditional friendship.

On their path of national construction and development, the two countries have closely collaborated in many areas, offering each other wholehearted and selfless support.

The two countries’ high-ranking leaders have maintained regular mutual visits, contributing to consolidating political trust and enhancing the bilateral ties.

Vietnam and Mongolia have also maintained the political consultation mechanism at the deputy foreign minister level established in 2002, and the intergovernmental committee on economic-trade and scientific-technical cooperation.

They have cooperated closely and supported each other at regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and other regional organizations. This relationship is driven by their shared interests in peace, development, and stability.

The year 2024 marks a milestone in the relationship with the state visit to Mongolia by Party General Secretary and President To Lam (now Party General Secretary To Lam) on September 30 and October 1. This visit, which coincided with the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations, opened a new chapter in the traditional friendship.

During this visit, the high-ranking leaders of the two countries agreed to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership and continue to expand collaboration.

On this occasion, the leaders witnessed the signing of seven cooperation agreements between various ministries, agencies, and localities.

The economic, trade, and investment cooperation has made progress, with the two-way trade turnover increasing to USD 132 million in 2023 from only USD 41.4 million in 2017 and USD 85 million in 2022. In the first seven months of 2024, it reached USD 65.5 million. The two countries aim to raise the bilateral trade value to USD 200 million in the near future.

According to experts, the relationship has been growing and ample room remains for the two sides to expand their cooperation, especially in economy, trade, and agriculture. In the economic sphere, they should focus on areas of strength such as mining, steel production, and the import and export of agricultural products, processed foods, and livestock products.

Agriculture is also a promising area for cooperation, experts said, suggesting the two countries exchange technology, experience, and products in this field.

The two sides have signed a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to establish a legal framework for cooperation activities, including the MoU on economic and trade cooperation in 2021, one on agricultural cooperation in 2022, and another on sustainable rice trade cooperation in 2023.

Notably, during the Vietnam visit by Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh last year, the two countries inked an agreement on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official, and ordinary passports, facilitating travel and trade between the two countries’ people.

Strides have also been seen in collaboration in culture, tourism, education and people-to-people exchange.- (VNA/VLLF)

Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai was in China last week for a working visit centered around attending the 7th China International Import Expo. It was his third visit to China as prime minister, following trips in February 2022 and June 2023, but his first visit to Shanghai.

Oyun-Erdene’s latest visit to China aimed to promote his government’s digital transformation plan, covering areas such as 5G, intelligent transportation, and green energy; cultivating professional talent, and promoting technological innovation and economic modernization. The hope is that cooperation with China will promote the transformation of Mongolia’s high-tech industry.

However, China-Mongolia relations are not all smooth sailing at the moment. Although Oyun-Erdene is trying his best to improve relations between Mongolia and China, he will face many political challenges in the near future.

Before analyzing Oyun-Erdene’s visit to China, we should first review the trip to Ulaanbaatar made by China’s Vice President Han Zheng in September. After attending the 9th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, Han visited Mongolia for three days. Just days prior, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin had also visited Mongolia. When Han met with Mongolian politicians, he put forward five suggestions for the development of China-Mongolia relations in the next stage, including deepening cooperation among China, Mongolia, and Russia.

Since then, the two countries have had frequent exchanges, including a prime minister-level China-Mongolia-Russia trilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan. Two days after that, Liu Jianchao, the head of the Chinese Communist Party’s International Department who is sometimes called “China’s shadow foreign minister,” met with Oyun-Erdene, who was passing through Beijing on his way back from the SCO meeting in Pakistan.

On the occasion of celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and China this year, Oyun-Erdene made his trip to Shanghai less than three weeks later. His latest visit seeks to strengthen the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries, especially on the economic front.

For 25 consecutive years, China has been Mongolia’s largest trading partner globally. In 2023, total trade with China was valued at $16.59 billion, contributing around 70 percent of Mongolia’s global trade. As of September 2024, the recorded total trade was $13.83 billion, according to statistics from China – on par to surpass last year’s total.

Oyun-Erdene’s latest trip to China had a decided focus on trade. The Mongolian prime minister took part in the opening ceremony of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai. The annual multi-sectoral event offers opportunities for expanding trade and economic relations with foreign partners and introducing national products to international markets. The opening ceremony of the international exhibition was also attended by China’s Premier Li Qiang, as well as the prime ministers of Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Serbia, Slovakia, and Uzbekistan.

In his speech at the CIIE opening on November 6, Oyun-Erdene said that Mongolia “actively participates in this expo as a platform to enhance economic ties with not only neighboring China but also with other countries.” He noted Mongolia’s economy was undergoing “three key transitions”: integrating AI, digital, and smart technologies; transitioning to “green development;” and a human resources transition “to plan for Mongolia’s future growth.” He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between states in achieving these goals through the development of barrier-free trade, e-commerce, transport and logistics, as well as the introduction of advanced AI technologies.

On November 5, the day before the CIIE opening, Oyun-Erdene met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. In their meeting, the Mongolian delegation conveyed President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Xi reciprocated with warm wishes for Khurelsukh. Both sides acknowledged the strong strategic partnership between their nations, built upon the reliable and friendly relations between the two presidents. Notably, however, Xi has not visited Mongolia since 2014, despite hopes he would make a trip this year to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Trade and economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions between Oyun-Erdene and Li. With trade between Mongolia and China totaling about $17 billion in 2023, both leaders expressed confidence in achieving their goal of raising this figure to $20 billion.

While Oyun-Erdene was in China, the two sides signed eight cooperation documents, including a loan agreement for the Erdeneburen hydropower plant in Mongolia’s western region and an agreement on joint construction of the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod cross-border railway. Both are high priority projects for Mongolia that have been stalled for years. Additionally, Oyun-Erdene and Li explored cooperation in other sectors, including green energy, telecommunications, mining, agriculture, IT, education, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Oyun-Erdene noted that cooperation between Mongolia and China should be expanded as a model to other countries.

While in Shanghai and Zhejiang, the Mongolia delegation met with Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng and Wang Hao, deputy secretary of the CCP’s Zhejiang Provincial Committee and governor of Zhejiang province. Mongolia’s delegations also met with executives from prominent Chinese companies like China Energy Group, Alibaba Group, and Huawei, one of the leading companies in technology research and development.

In particular the Mongolian government has agreed to cooperate with Huawei in making its digital transition, including learning new technology practices, building smart cities, and training young professionals in the digital energy and other technology sectors. The two parties established a joint working group – to headed by the minister of Digital development, innovation, and communications – to cooperate in the areas of 5G systems, smart transport, smart traffic, and green energy.

Curiously, Oyun-Erdene brought along nine government ministers (including three deputy prime ministers) and over 10 members of the State Great Khural, Mongolia’s parliament, during his visit to China. It seems that Oyun-Erdene went to Shanghai with half of the Mongolian government personnel, a rare scene.

The Chinese cities of Shanghai and Hangzhou certainly are attractive destinations for Mongolian businesses engaged in international trade, but that itself doesn’t explain why Oyun-Erdene brought along so many domestic politicians – including the leaders of every political party represented in the State Great Khural. There were other reasons behind the large delegation.

First, this indicates Mongolia’s political sincerity. After the parliamentary election in late June of this year, the ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) saw the size of its majority shrink. In acknowledgement of the change, Oyun-Erdene, who is chairman of the MPP, issued an invitation to the other political parties holding seats, hoping to form a coalition government. On July 8, the MPP and the two largest opposition parties, the Democratic Party and the Hun Party, jointly signed a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to form a coalition government.

After forming a new national unity government, then, Oyun-Erdene is taking care to involve all the various political parties in relations with China. He must be conscious that the longevity of the newly formed coalition government depends on Mongolia’s economic health – and that, in turn, largely hinges on how Mongolia and China engage in economic and trade cooperation. In the recent past, Mongolia has been somewhat frustrated by border closures impacting China-Mongolia trade and a lack of progress on big-ticket cooperation projects. Overcoming these issues is a priority for the Mongolian government given the outsized importance of China in Mongolia’s trade.

In addition, Oyun-Erdene is carefully managing relationships with other parties in a bid to avoid domestic political struggles over the 2025 national government budget. Mongolia’s government budget plan for next year, including controversial topics like export revenue, public investment, and domestic social stability, has the potential to trigger a political crisis.

The domestic politics of Mongolia and the relationship between Mongolia and China will both continue to warrant close observation moving forward.

BY Sumiya Chuluunbaatar

Sumiya Chuluunbaatar is an economist and expert on international issues. Sumiya is currently working as a non-resident fellow at the Institute of International Studies, Mongolian Academy of Sciences.

Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh has proposed global efforts to promote sustainable rangelands, the presidential press office said on Wednesday.

Khurelsukh made the proposal at the ongoing 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

"At a time when climate change is accelerating due to both natural forces and human activities, negatively impacting sustainable development, livelihoods, and human well-being worldwide, it is crucial that we strengthen our political leadership, collective efforts, and actions," Khurelsukh said.

Mongolia made the proposal to address the adverse effects of climate change on countries that rely on traditional pastoralism, Khurelsukh said.

Mongolia has fully supported collective efforts of the international community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sinks, and reaffirmed its commitment to fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement, he added.

In a Cabinet meeting today, Ts.Baatarkhuu, the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications, announced significant decisions to enhance Mongolia's cyber security and address cyber crime threats.

The Minister emphasized the importance of establishing a comprehensive system for cybersecurity across all organizations with critical information infrastructure, beyond addressing isolated cases like the recent cyber issues faced by Intermed Hospital. Mongolia currently ranks 103rd on the United Nations Cybersecurity Index, receiving commendations in legal criteria but struggling with technical capabilities and international cooperation.

In order to address these gaps, the Cabinet has decided that organizations storing critical data will now be required to employ dedicated cyber security specialists. The Minister also confirmed that nine servers from Intermed Hospital were hacked recently, and restoration efforts are ongoing.

At today’s parliamentary session, discussions continued on amendments to the Nuclear Energy Law. The initial reading took place last week, and yesterday, the Standing Committee on Security and Foreign Policy reviewed the proposed changes. MP Ts. Davaasuren put forward a proposal to set a 9% royalty (known as AMNAT) on projects involving the extraction and processing of radioactive minerals.

Most committee members supported this suggestion. However, Minister of Industry and Minerals Ts. Tuvaan warned that if a 9% royalty is enforced, negotiations on the Investment Agreement with France's Orano Group could be halted. The agreement would establish the legal framework needed to operate the Mongolian-French joint Zuuvch-Ovoo uranium project.

Former Prime Minister S. Bayar criticized the proposal on Twitter, warning, "Hiding poor intentions and personal interests behind patriotic phrases like ‘Don’t betray your country’ is a familiar tactic. This Ts. Davaasuren has pushed through support for a ‘9% royalty’ that doesn’t exist in global uranium practice. Remember, fellow Mongolians, with this, foreign investment will stop. Later, Davaasuren will likely say, ‘I did this for our people.’ This was also the case with Oyu Tolgoi, do you recall what was said then?"

MP P. Sainzorig stated that the global average royalty for uranium mining is 3-5%, whereas Mongolia’s rate could reach 14%, and even up to 19% if prices increase, equating to discouraging investment in the country. He emphasized that a working group should provide a clear answer on this issue.

Finance Minister B. Javkhlan clarified that 65% of the AMNAT collected would go to the Future Heritage Fund, with 35% allocated to the Local Development Fund, which could significantly boost local development if the project succeeds.

MP B. Purevdorj noted that the global average AMNAT for uranium is around 5.5%, with Kazakhstan, which has the largest uranium reserves, applying a 6% rate, while Australia, Canada, and Nigeria each set 5%, and Uzbekistan sets 8%.

The draft law classifies royalties on radioactive mineral resources based on market prices, ranging from $0 to $130, with rates set at 0-9%. Three types of AMNAT have been defined: base, incremental, and special, with incremental rates applying only if the market price exceeds $50 per pound.

Translated by ChatGPT

The Committee against Torture today concluded its consideration of the third periodic report of Mongolia. Committee Experts commended Mongolia for its commitment to abolishing the death penalty, while raising questions on the State’s interrogation rooms and extradition agreements.

Huawen Liu, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur, said the Committee commended Mongolia for its commitment to abolishing the death penalty by ratifying and upholding the obligations under the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Naoko Maeda, Vice-Chairperson and Co-Rapporteur, said the Committee welcomed the efforts of the State party to ensure interrogation rooms had closed-circuit televisions and video and audio equipment to ensure that interrogations were recorded; and that recordings were kept for at least six months. What was the State party’s strategy to ensure that equipment for recording interrogation was available throughout the country? Mr. Liu also asked if the State party could respond to reports that video recordings of interrogations, in practice, were deleted after 14 days.

Ms. Maeda also asked what kinds of elements were considered as risks of torture in extradition agreements. How was the right to appeal to courts against deportation, extradition or expulsion orders guaranteed? Could Mongolia inform of any extradition agreements concluded with other States parties?

The delegation said the police department had equipped 849 interrogation rooms to comply with the standards required, including for lighting and ventilation. Surveillance records were required to be kept for three to six months. The State was currently reviewing this process, with the aim to keep surveillance videos from between six months to one year. There was a clear need to increase the number of interrogation rooms.

The delegation also said Mongolia had concluded several multilateral and bilateral extradition agreements. Sixteen agreements had been concluded on bilateral cases. The State took into account the risk of torture when coming to a final decision of extradition. During 2024, five extradition requests had been received from foreign countries. One request was denied. Mongolia had put forward 16 requests to other countries, of which six were satisfied and the rest were denied or remained without any answer.

Introducing the report, N. Myagmar, State Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs and head of the delegation, said Mongolia had achieved several major milestones since the report was submitted. The Law on the National Human Rights Commission had been revised in line with the Paris Principles to ensure the Commission’s independent status, sufficient financial resources and to ensure it could act efficiently to resolve complaints of torture, and to establish the National Preventive Mechanism. The rule on the conditions of detention facilities addressed hot and cold water supply, sewerage systems, natural light, ventilation, sanitary and hygiene and essential infrastructure required to sustain a healthy and safe environment for detainees.

In closing remarks, Claude Heller, Committee Chairperson, thanked the delegation for engaging in the dialogue with a constructive spirit. The Committee had a follow-up procedure, which aimed to continue to facilitate a dialogue between Mongolia and the Committee.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Myagmar said the Committee’s recommendations had great importance and would serve to ensure the fulfilment of Mongolia commitments within the framework of the Convention.

The delegation of Mongolia consisted of representatives from the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Protection; the Independent Authority against Corruption; the General Prosecutors Office; the General Executive Agency of Court Decision; the National Police Agency; the General Intelligence Agency; the Immigration Agency; and the Permanent Mission of Mongolia to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

The Committee will issue concluding observations on the report of Mongolia at the end of its eighty-first session on 22 November. Those and other documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, will be available on the session’s webpage. Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, and webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.

The Committee will next meet in public on Thursday, 14 November to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Report

The Committee has before it the third periodic report of Mongolia (CAT/C/MNG/3).