ULAANBAATAR - Mongolia has established important legal and institutional foundations to ensure full equality for LGBT persons, said the UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Graeme Reid, today.
"The challenge moving forward is to ensure that these protections are consistently implemented in practice so that everyone, including LGBT people, can live free from violence and discrimination," Reid said in a statement at the end of his visit to the country.
The Independent Expert welcomed Mongolia's growing legal and policy framework relating to equality and non-discrimination, including protections within criminal law, labour legislation, data protection and broader development policy. He also noted constructive engagement by a range of State institutions and increasing openness to dialogue on issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Reid expressed concern regarding persistent discrimination, instances of violence, barriers to access to justice, data gaps, and difficulties experienced by LGBT people in areas including health care, education, employment and interactions with law enforcement authorities. He highlighted the implementation gaps between formal legal protections and lived realities.
"Public education, institutional training, and sustained engagement with civil society are crucial in advancing substantive equality and strengthening trust in public institutions," the expert said.
A full report will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2027.
