The European Union and Mongolia held the seventh Human Rights Dialogue on 2 April in Ulaanbaatar. 
The dialogue was conducted in an open and constructive atmosphere and provided the opportunity to discuss a broad range of human rights related issues. The EU and Mongolia reviewed recent developments and updated each other on respective human rights policies and priorities for action. They reaffirmed their commitment to the universality and indivisibility of human rights and to the full implementation of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, including to further strengthening cooperation on human rights and the rule of law.
The EU informed about the extension of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy until 2027, aligning it with the EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2021-2027. Mongolia shared information on recent developments in the country, policy and legislative initiatives in the area of human rights.
Mongolia and the EU discussed cooperation in international human rights fora, including the UN General Assembly. They agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the framework of the Alliance for Torture-Free Trade. Mongolia informed about its forthcoming United Nations Universal Periodic Review.
The EU and Mongolia exchanged on the situation of media freedom, including the protection of journalists and media workers and the fight against disinformation and hate speech. The EU welcomed Mongolia’s plans to reform the Law on Media Freedom, including efforts to establish a legal framework that will protect the freedom of press organizations, and encouraged Mongolia to ensure that new legislative initiatives be aligned with relevant international human rights law and that the freedom, independence and plurality of Mongolia press and media be fully guaranteed. 
The EU and Mongolia discussed the situation of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of assembly. The EU expressed concern for the extensive use of the Law on State Secret, which lacks a precise scope and clear definitions, calling on Mongolia to always ensure that due process guarantees be respected. The EU asked for clarification on the recent cases related to the recommendations of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention following its visit to Mongolia in October 2022.
The EU welcomed the work of the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia and of the Subcommittee on Human Rights of the State Great Hural (Parliament).
Mongolia briefed on the new draft law presented in December 2024 on the Freedom to Hold Peaceful Demonstrations and Gatherings. The EU encouraged Mongolia to ensure that all legislations, policies and practices fully align with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Gender equality, including political participation of women, as well as gender-based violence were also discussed during the dialogue. In this context, the EU and Mongolia also exchanged on the follow up of the Concluding Observations of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The EU and Mongolia also discussed means to improve the economic empowerment of women.
The EU highlighted in particular the need to adopt comprehensive legislation prohibiting discrimination, including multiple, direct, and indirect discrimination on all grounds prohibited under international law. Violence against children and in armed forces was also discussed, along with fight against discrimination, with a focus on persons with disabilities and LGBTI persons. The EU called on Mongolia to take more decisive action concerning violence against children, including child rapes.
The EU welcomed the judicial reforms undertaken by Mongolia and encouraged Mongolia to pursue the work being undertaken in strengthening the judicial system and ensuring its independence. Recalling the relevant support provided by through TAIEX and Twinning, the EU called on Mongolia to ensure that sufficient funding be provided to the justice system.
The EU encouraged Mongolia to continue its efforts to combat child labour, including in rural areas and in hazardous work. In this respect, the EU expressed particular concern for the rights and protection of children employed as jockeys in horse races, regretting the recent government decision to transfer the rights to organize these races to local authorities. The EU urged the Government of Mongolia, as well as all relevant stakeholders, including local authorities, parents, guardians, horse owners, trainers and the public, to uphold Mongolia’s commitment under international human rights law.
In the area of economic, social and cultural rights, Mongolia informed about measure to fight pollution and related health consequences. The EU recalled the adverse effects that climate change and environmental degradation, including air pollution, have on the full enjoyment of human rights, including the right to health and to life, and encouraged Mongolia to engage in dialogue with civil society and environmental activists on this important issue.
Mongolia updated on the implementation of the Human Rights and ILO conventions under the GSP+. The EU recalled the importance of fulfilling GSP+ related commitments and provided an update on its priorities for the 2024-2025 monitoring cycle.
The meeting was co-chaired by Nicoletta Pusterla, Deputy Head of Division for China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Mongolia at the European External Action Service and by Soyolmaa Jambaldorj, Director General of International Treaty and Law Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia.

Published Date:2025-04-04