Madame Chair,
My delegation welcomes the comprehensive and insightful reports submitted under this agenda item.
Children and adolescents are the key agents for sustainable development. The adoption of the SDG’s renewed international commitments to create more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world for our children and future generations. Thus, ending all forms of violence against children is crucial to safeguarding children’s rights and to achieving the SDG’s.
Madame Chair,
Promotion and protection of the rights of children remain one of the key priorities for the Government of Mongolia. In 2016, the Government has developed its Program of Action for 2016-2020.
Last two years, a number of important legislation has entered into force, including, the revised Law on Rights of Children and the new Law on Child Development and Protection, the new Laws on Benefits to Single Mothers and Fathers with Multiple Children, Youth Development and the Law on Violations. The above has brought the changes designed to further advance human rights of its citizen, particularly vulnerable groups.
Furthermore, in September 2017, the Cabinet has approved the National Program on Child Development and Protection for 2017-2021 in order to support the implementation of the Law on rights of children and Law on protection of children.
Also the 2015 Law on Childcare Services aims to support employment opportunities for women, who make up 46% of the workforce, by addressing the lack of kindergarten facilities in the country through the establishment of childcare service centers.
In December 2017, the National Human Rights Commission presented its 16th Annual Report on the Situation of Human Rights and Freedoms in Mongolia. Following the consideration of the report, the Parliament has adopted its resolution to implement measures aimed, inter alia, at improving schooling conditions for ethnic minority and disabled children, revise the current Labor Law within 2018 and enhance gender equality through better reinforcement of relevant legislations.
By 2030 the Government of Mongolia is planning and implementing policies and programs to address effectively the challenges faced by the capital city, including shortage of kindergartens, about 30 schools in suburbs functioning in three shifts, overload of family hospitals, hazardous impacts of air pollution on people’s health.
Nevertheless, the progress registered thus far, the main challenges for usremain in full and effective implementation of the existing respective legislations, policies and strategies to give further impetus to the promotion and protection of the rights of children in all sectors and at all levels.
Madame Chair,
Investing in children’s issues and voices must continue to be at the center of Sustainable Development Goals implementation, follow-up and review efforts at all levels.
Mongolia remains deeply committed to advancing progress with regard to the protection and promotion of children and their rights.
To reach the SDG’s by 2030, we must ensure that no child is left behind.
I thank you.