Mongolia Finalizes 11th Periodic Report under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

The Intersectoral Working Group responsible for implementing the recommendations of Mongolia’s 10th periodic report under the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) convened its regular meeting on February 10, 2026.

The meeting was opened by State Secretary Ms. L. Munkhzul of the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Protection. In her remarks, she emphasized that the participation of 45 representatives from 30 organizations reflects the broad scope and significance of the CEDAW Convention. She noted that the Ministry has prioritized not only the quality preparation of the 11th periodic report, but also strengthening the understanding and capacity of working group members regarding the Convention’s core principles.

She highlighted that CEDAW is a comprehensive human rights treaty aimed at ensuring women’s equal access to political and public life, including the right to vote and be elected; establishing equality with men in education, healthcare, and employment; protecting women from sexual exploitation and violence; guaranteeing reproductive rights; and addressing family relations and gender roles in a manner that respects national cultural and traditional contexts.

During the meeting, Ms. M. Bolormaa, Head of the Women Leaders Foundation and consultant to the report drafting process, delivered a presentation on key achievements and priority issues identified during the reporting period of Mongolia’s 11th periodic report. The presentation was followed by an active discussion, with participants raising questions and providing comments.

The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Protection will finalize the 11th periodic report and submit it to the Government for review in April–May 2026.

During the reporting period, significant institutional and legislative reforms were undertaken. In Ulaanbaatar, the First Instance Court for Family and Child Matters and the Appellate Court for Family and Child Matters were established.

In the social protection sector, more than ten laws were developed or revised, including:

·         the revised Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;

·         the revised Law on Social Welfare;

·         the revised Law on Employment Promotion;

·         the Law on Family Support;

·         the Law on Accessibility and Barrier-Free Environment;

·         the Law on Sign Language, among others.

Compared to the pre-2020 period, these reforms have strengthened the legal framework, enhanced human rights–based approaches, reduced discrimination, and expanded equal opportunities for all.

Mongolia has also made progress in women’s political participation. As a result of the 2024 regular parliamentary elections, 32 women were elected to the State Great Khural. Furthermore, according to the Global Gender Gap Report, Mongolia advanced by 20 places in 2025 compared to the previous year, ranking 65th overall.

These developments demonstrate Mongolia’s continued commitment to advancing gender equality and fulfilling its obligations under CEDAW.

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