Since 2012, IDLO has partnered with Mongolia to strengthen the rule of law, expand access to justice and promote transparency and accountability. Working closely with government institutions, the judiciary and civil society, IDLO supports reforms to combat corruption, enhance judicial transparency, strengthen alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and improve protection systems for women, children and vulnerable communities. Mongolia became an IDLO Member Party in 2015 and currently serves as Vice President of the Assembly of Parties for the 2024–2027 term.
Our impact in Mongolia includes:
Strengthening anti-corruption frameworks, transparency and public trust. IDLO has enhanced the capacity of key institutions, including the Independent Authority Against Corruption, to prevent, detect and investigate corruption, including through improved systems for asset declaration review and mutual legal assistance. In parallel, support to civil society and media actors has promoted greater public engagement in justice sector reform efforts, contributing to the implementation of Mongolia’s National Anti-Corruption Programme (2023–2030) and reinforcing transparency, accountability and public confidence in justice institutions.
Expanding access to justice through alternative dispute resolution and legal innovation. IDLO has supported the reform of Mongolia’s Mediation Law and the development of a more robust and regulated ADR system, including the introduction of enforceable mediation agreements and strengthened accreditation mechanisms. A pilot court-based paralegal programme has also been introduced and expanded, improving access to justice for court users, while broader efforts promote the use of mediation as an efficient and accessible alternative to litigation.
Strengthening protection systems for women, children and vulnerable groups. Through support to child protection frameworks and the national response to gender-based violence, IDLO has contributed to improved coordination, service delivery and reintegration mechanisms for vulnerable populations. This includes support for the rollout of Mongolia’s new Family and Youth Court and partnerships with civil society to deliver community-based and culturally responsive services across both urban and remote areas.
The Government of Mongolia has taken a number of legislative and policy steps aimed at tackling domestic violence. While the new legal framework undeniably offers an improved, holistic and more victim-centered approach, its practical implementation and adherence to ensuring the needs of victims requires significant technical assistance, ongoing monitoring, and effective coordination among all the relevant actors.
While years of economic development have propelled Mongolia forward in wealth and investment, its limited experience with the market economy - counting only 30 years after transitioning from a centralized communist model -has prevented the country from fully capitalizing gains and sustaining growth.
By Michel Nussbaumer, Director, Legal Transition Team, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Margarita Milikh, Regional Program Manager, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, International Development Law Organization. This piece originally appeared in the ALIFDO Gazette Winter 2018 Edition.
Home to around 2,600 Mongolian Americans, the city of Arlington, Virginia has one of the largest Mongolian populations in the United States, to the point that Mongolian is the third-most widely spoken language in the local school system.
As part of IDLO’s continuous commitment to accountability and results-based management, IDLO is pleased to share this Evaluation Brief (summarised evaluation report): “Strengthening Enforcement of Court Decisions in Mongolia - Phase I and II”. The evaluation has been conducted by independent evaluation experts, supervised by IDLO’s Evaluation Unit.
With domestic violence only recently classified as a crime in Mongolia, police officers, judges and other justice professionals initially had to navigate unfamiliar territory. Capacity building programs are helping them to support victims in line with the new legislation and resolve cases through coordinated response mechanisms.
Strengthening the domestic violence response in Mongolia
IDLO is implementing a project in Mongolia that aims to strengthen the response to domestic violence and increase access to justice for survivors.
Domestic violence in Mongolia is increasingly recognized as a significant problem. Law enforcement officials report that in 2016 domestic violence cases increased by 25 per cent in the first seven months of the year compared to the previous year. In response, the Government of Mongolia has begun to take legislative and policy steps to improve its response to the issue. While important steps continue to be taken, significant challenges remain.
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