Mongolia, OHCHR to establish regional human rights research center

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), headquartered in Geneva, is a UN institution mandated to protect, promote, respect, and fulfill all human rights. It engages in dialogue with governments, provides assistance to UN member states, promotes international cooperation, coordinates human rights efforts across the UN system, and advances a culture of respect for human rights worldwide.

The visit of the UN’s top human rights official to Mongolia reflects recognition of the country’s achievements in areas such as democracy, human rights, and gender equality. It is also significant for sharing Mongolia’s experiences and lessons on the international stage and with other countries.

During the visit, Minister for Foreign Affairs Battsetseg Batmunkh held a bilateral meeting with High Commissioner Volker Türk. They exchanged views on the current international situation, Mongolia’s adherence to international human rights treaties and conventions, their implementation, and progress under the “UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework” being implemented in Mongolia, as well as on future cooperation.

In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and OHCHR signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a roadmap for cooperation in establishing a regional human rights research center. This marks an important step toward fulfilling Mongolia’s pledge made on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

It was also agreed that during the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, to be held in Mongolia this August, OHCHR will send a delegation. The sides will jointly organize a special event to protect the rights of vulnerable groups affected by climate change, particularly children and women.

At the meeting, High Commissioner Volker Türk also introduced his initiative, the “Global Alliance for Human Rights,” which aims to place human rights at the center of global dialogue and decision-making at a time when the rule of law and human rights are under increasing pressure worldwide. He expressed his interest in Mongolia’s participation and support for the initiative.

This visit marks the first time in 26 years that a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has visited Mongolia.

Earlier, Qazinform reported Kazakhstan is to open a consulate in Mongolia's Bayan-Ölgii aimag.