Strong political will of Mongolian authorities to combat human trafficking praised by OSCE Special Representative during official visit

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, 6 October 2017 - OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Madina Jarbussynova, concluded on Friday a four-day official visit to discuss the country’s implementation of OSCE anti-trafficking commitments.

“The genuine interest and commitment of Mongolian authorities to tackle human trafficking is admirable,” Jarbussynova noted. “To address the ever changing nature of human trafficking and emerging forms of the crime, Mongolia has undertaken numerous reforms by amending and adopting laws and policy documents”.

During her visit, Jarbussynova held in-depth discussions with the Sub-Council for Prevention of Human Trafficking, headed by the Vice Minister of Justice and Home Affairs, as well as with a wide range of officials from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Immigration Agency, National Police Agency, General Authority for Border Protection, Supreme Court, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Human Rights Commissioner. The Special Representative was also briefed by the Confederation of Mongolian Trade Unions to learn more about the prevention of labour exploitation of Mongolians abroad and migrant workers in Mongolia. 

”After joining the Organization in 2012 as the newest OSCE participating State, Mongolia is eager to increase its efforts and knowledge in all areas of its action”, the Special Representative added. “Ensuring the timely identification and protection of trafficking victims is paramount for successful investigation and prosecution of human trafficking. It is now critical to ensure the proper implementation and adequate funding of existing mechanisms to effectively identify and assist trafficking victims”. 

Jarbussynova also spoke with representatives of international organisations based in Mongolia and non-governmental organisations, including the Mongolian Gender Equality Centre, Save the Children, ECPAT Mongolia, Human Security and Policy Studies and Talita Asia. 

The Special Representative regularly conducts goal-oriented high-profile country visits to strengthen the capacity of OSCE participating States to address human trafficking in a comprehensive and effective manner, as well as to collect and share knowledge and best practices in preventing this serious human rights violation. In 2017, she has visited the Russian Federation, Denmark and Canada.