The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of the prosecutorial system to uphold labour rights and enforce international labour standards, with a particular focus on eliminating forced labour and child labour. Prosecutors play a critical role in enforcing labour laws and protecting vulnerable groups from exploitation. By combining international standards, national data, and practical guidance, this training strengthens Mongolia's capacity to detect, investigate, and prosecute cases of child labour and forced labour effectively, ensuring victim protection and access to justice.
This effort complements Mongolia's broader commitment to international labour standards. In 2025, the Government of Mongolia submitted reports on the application of ILO Conventions Nos. 29, 105, 138, and 182 concerning forced labour and child labour to the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR).
The sessions were delivered by senior ILO specialists from the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific:
Bharati Pflug, Senior Specialist on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, delivered a comprehensive session covering ILO definitions and international labour standards on child labour, including Conventions Nos. 138 and 182. She presented Mongolia-specific data from the ILO National Child Labour Survey (2021-2022), offering evidence-based insights into the prevalence and nature of child labour in the country. The session also outlined practical steps for investigation, evidence-gathering, and victim protection, equipping prosecutors with actionable tools to strengthen enforcement. In addition, Bharati Pflug shared examples and proposed next steps for Mongolian prosecutors, highlighting international best practices for effective prosecution and prevention.
Alain Pelcé, Senior Specialist on International Labour Standards and Labour Law, delivered a session on international labour standards addressing forced labour. He presented the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), explaining its definition, exceptions, and sanctions, as well as the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105), which targets emerging uses of forced labour such as for political repression or economic development. Alain Pelcé also introduced the Protocol of 2014 to Convention No. 29, which strengthens measures to prevent trafficking in persons, protect victims, and ensure access to remedies and compensation. The session highlighted key indicators of forced labour, including abuse of vulnerability, deception, restriction of movement, isolation, physical and sexual violence, intimidation, retention of identity documents, withholding of wages, debt bondage, abusive working and living conditions, and excessive overtime.
This training was organized by the EU-funded ILO Trade for Decent Work (T4DW) Project.
