“I am particularly pleased to note that President Elbegdorj showed great political leadership and will in leading Mongolia to abolishing the death penalty during his Presidency. In 2010, President Elbegdorj commuted all death sentences and announced a moratorium on all executions. In 2012, Mongolia ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, an international treaty committing the country to the abolition of the death penalty. On 1 July 2017, Mongolia became death penalty abolitionist when its new Criminal Code, which abolishes the death penalty for all crimes, became effective after it was initially adopted bythe Mongolian Parliament on 3 December 2015. The abolition of the death penalty in Mongolia, which represents a beacon of hope in the North-east Asian region, is truly President Elbegdorj´s legacy. “By his decisive actions and leadership in furthering his country´s respect and protection for the fundamental right to life, and by his important interventions in international forums, President Elbegdorj has emerged as a much respected voice in favour of the abolition of the capital punishment. I believe that Mr. Elbegdorj´s expertise, experience and international prestige will be outstanding assets for our Commission and we look forward to work with him. I join my fellow Commissioners in welcoming him”