Statement at the 61st Session UN Human Rights Council
Adoption of the UPR report of Mongolia
Delivered by Urantulkhuur Mandkhaitsetsen, Center for Human Rights and Development
Mr. President,
CIVICUS, ADN and CHRD welcomes Mongolia’s engagement in the UPR process. In this cycle, we note that Mongolia received 23 recommendations on civic space and supported 22 of them.
We welcome, that the government has supported recommendations to protect human rights defenders and journalists, ensure that laws are not misused to restrict them and protect them from all acts of harassment and intimidation. We also welcome its support towards repealing Article 13.14 of the Criminal Code on defamation and to ensure press freedom.
However, we are disappointed that the government chose not to support recommendations to review or repeal Article 17.6 and 19.11 of the Criminal Code, which has also been used to target activists and journalists
In recent years, our organisations have documented the harassment and criminalisation of activists and journalists. We are also deeply concerned by draft NGO laws that are inconsistent with international law and standards. We are further alarmed by proposed laws to control the internet, and restrictions in law and practice against peaceful protests.
Mr President, we urge the government of Mongolia to take concrete steps to implement the UPR recommendations by ensuring all laws are consistent with the ICCPR, that the 2021 Human Rights Defenders law is effectively implemented and to revise the Law on Organising Demonstrations and Public Gatherings so that they comply with international human rights law and standards.
We thank you.
