“Strengthening Child Protection Systems-2” Mongolia-South Korea Joint Conference Kicks Off

The “Strengthening Child Protection Systems” Mongolia-South Korea joint conference is being held for the second consecutive year in collaboration with the international organization Good Neighbors.

 

The two-day conference is aimed at strengthening the child protection system through mutual experience-sharing between Mongolia and South Korea. It will cover topics such as the child protection system, methods of preventing violence against children, and related policies and practices.

 

Key Developments in Mongolia:

 

Mongolia has made significant strides in strengthening its child protection system and improving legislation. Notable progress includes:

• The Law on the Rights of the Child, the Law on Child Protection, and the Law on Combating Domestic Violence, leading to greater cooperation and involvement among sectors.

• The revised Law on Child Protection, effective since September 1, 2024, has established better structures and systems, including social workers in soums and khoroos.

 

Achievements and Ongoing Needs:

• Temporary shelters for victims of violence and one-stop service centers have been established in every aimag and district, with both state and local budgets supporting these efforts, as well as international organization projects. Currently, 20 temporary shelters and 19 one-stop service centers are operational, providing protection for an average of over 3,300 children annually.

• Despite these advancements, there is an ongoing need to:

• Ensure the effective implementation of child protection laws.

• Enhance the capacity of human resources in the sector.

• Improve intersectoral coordination and increase the quality and accessibility of services provided to children.

 

Recent Legal Reforms:

• Amendments to the Law on the Rights of the Child have enhanced the legal status of National Child Rights Inspectors. A government decree issued in 2024 establishes that one inspector will be assigned for every 16,000 children.

• In addition, Community Inspectors will work at the soums and khoroos level to identify children in high-risk conditions, facilitate connections, and collaborate with local child protection officers, social workers, and child rights inspectors.

 

This conference represents a significant step in improving Mongolia’s child protection infrastructure and enhancing the country’s capacity to safeguard children against violence and exploitation.