On 2 March 2016 Minister for Foreign Affairs L.Purevsuren attended the High Level Segment of the 31st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council and addressed the Council in Geneva.
Minister L.Purevsuren expressed sincere gratitude to all UN member states for their kind support extended to Mongolia’s candidacy to the HRC.
In his statement, Minister L.Purevsuren underlined as a member of the Human Rights Council Mongolia will strive to contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights in international level and will focus on such priorities as Ensuring gender equality, Protecting the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities, Fighting human trafficking in all its forms, Fighting racial and gender discrimination, Promoting freedom of opinion and expression, Promoting freedom of assembly and association.
Furthermore, since 2012 notable progress and success have been seen in Mongolia within the frame of comprehensive legal reform in order to ensure full protection of human rights, including the rights to justice and due process of law. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the International Covenants on Human Rights, Mongolia abolished the death penalty in law with the adoption of the revised Criminal Code, which the death penalty is visibly absent, Minister said.
During the High Level Segment of the 31st Session of the HRC, Minister L.Purevsuren met with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein. At the meeting Minister noted that as a member Council Mongolia will develop close cooperation with High Commissioner’s Office, and will take appropriate measures on the implementation of Council member and observer states recommendations on 2nd UPR in Mongolia. Moreover, he has noted that electing as a Council member is a privilege and responsibility for Mongolia.
He also mentioned that Mongolia is sharing its experience with transition countries such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan and making contribution on their deeds aimed at building up countries’ democracy and human rights.
UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein congratulated Mongolia for the election as a Council member and received the majority of votes from the Asia Pacific Group. High Commissioner has expressed his wiliness to broaden relations with Mongolia in protection and promotion of human rights.