During the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, D.Sunjid, Chief Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia (NHRCM), participated in the side event “Strengthening Civic Space: The Role of National Human Rights Institutions”, sharing Mongolia’s experience in protecting civic freedoms.

D.Sunjid acknowledged Mongolia’s progress in civil and political rights at the policy level but noted serious challenges in implementation. Citing the Commission’s 22nd Human Rights Report, she called for revisions to laws regulating press freedom and peaceful assemblies. In response, parliament has established a working group to follow up on the commission’s recommendations.

From 2020 to 2023, over 730 assemblies were planned across the country. The NHRCM monitored these closely and submitted reports on rights violations. Mongolia also became the first Asian country to adopt a law on human rights defenders in 2021. Since then, 130 complaints have been reviewed, and several recommendations issued to authorities.

Despite this progress, gaps remain. Of 13 individuals offered protection, several declined or were deported. D.Sunjid emphasized the urgent need for an independent witness and victim protection mechanism, stronger legal safeguards for whistleblowers, and better enforcement of existing laws.

She also highlighted research conducted on the situation of human rights defenders, including civil society actors, journalists, and lawyers, with findings submitted to parliament in recent human rights reports. D.Sunjid closed by affirming NHRCM’s commitment to upholding Human Rights Council Resolution 59/10 on civil society space and strengthening cooperation with the international community.