Original Source: www.omct.org
In the wake of the 81st Session of the Committee Against Torture, Mongolia stood under scrutiny, particularly regarding the rights of detainees and the safeguarding of human rights defenders and LGBTQ+ individuals. Led by State Secretary Mr. N.Myagmar, the Mongolian delegation addressed issues ranging from the abolition of the death penalty to the treatment of vulnerable populations, as highlighted by committee rapporteurs Mr. Huawen Liu and Ms. Naoko Maeda.
The Committee applauded Mongolia’s elimination of the death penalty, recognizing the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as a commendable step towards upholding international human rights standards. However, concerns were raised over the treatment of detainees, particularly regarding the management of recorded interrogations and the need for these recordings to be retained longer than the current 14-day limit.
Further discussions included Mongolia’s legal approach to extradition, with questions about safeguards against torture and the rights of individuals to appeal deportation orders. The plight of human rights defenders—especially those resisting harmful mining practices—was also a focal point, with the Committee urging enhanced protections for free expression and association.
Attention was drawn to the mistreatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in Mongolia, with calls for robust action against police violence, discriminatory practices, and harmful conversion therapies. The necessity for improved medical and legal support for these individuals was emphasized, reinforcing the need for a supportive legal environment.
Mongolia’s progress in combatting human trafficking was noted, alongside an appeal for transparency regarding the distribution of funds devoted to human rights. The Committee called for ongoing updates on the implementation of key recommendations, highlighting the importance of establishing clear definitions and legal mechanisms to combat torture effectively.
The discussions at the CAT session underscore ongoing concerns regarding human rights practices in Mongolia, particularly concerning the treatment of detainees, human rights defenders, and marginalized groups like LGBTQ+ individuals. The dialogue highlighted both progress and areas that require urgent attention, setting the stage for enhanced regulations and support systems to protect these vulnerable populations and uphold human rights standards nationally.
Mongolia’s engagement with the Committee Against Torture reveals commendable advances alongside critical challenges in human rights protection. Urgent actions are needed to ensure accountability, safeguard the rights of detainees, protect human rights defenders, and support marginalized communities. The path forward calls for ongoing commitment, transparency, and decisive measures to align Mongolia’s human rights practices with international norms.
