The UN Committee against Torture published concerns about Mongolia’s handling of torture allegations, urging the establishment of an independent investigative entity. It emphasized the need for judicial oversight of arrests, particularly those conducted without court orders, while recognizing Mongolia’s plans to draft relevant legislation by 2025.
The UN Committee against Torture (CAT) has recently published its findings on multiple countries, including Mongolia. During its latest session, the Committee recognized Mongolia’s intention to draft a law establishing a unit dedicated to investigating allegations of torture and ill-treatment by individuals in custody by 2025. However, it expressed concerns regarding the delays in the legislative process since the last review and highlighted ongoing issues related to investigations of torture claims.
Particularly, the Committee raised alarms over the perceived conflict of interest and the ineffectiveness of the investigations conducted by the Investigation Division of the Anti-Corruption Agency and the General Police Department. The high rate of dismissals in torture cases was also troubling for the Committee, prompting a recommendation for Mongolia to establish an independent mechanism for investigating public officials, with a focus on law enforcement individuals accused of misconduct.
Furthermore, while acknowledging Mongolia’s advancements in procedural legal safeguards, the Committee echoed persistent concerns about the legality of arrests carried out by agencies such as the General Intelligence Agency and the Anti-Corruption Agency, which may occur without a court order and only with prosecutor consent. In response, the Committee urged Mongolian authorities to require law enforcement to secure a judicially issued arrest warrant, except in cases of pursuing a crime in progress.
The UN Committee against Torture is tasked with monitoring the implementation of the Convention against Torture by its State parties. Mongolia, among other nations, has undergone scrutiny as part of the Committee’s recent session, focusing on its adherence to the Convention’s principles regarding human rights and treatment of individuals in custody. The assessment covers various facets of Mongolia’s legal framework, procedural safeguards, and ongoing challenges in combating torture effectively.
In summary, the UN Committee against Torture’s report underscores significant concerns regarding Mongolia’s efforts to address torture and ensure accountability for law enforcement. While the commitment to drafting new legislation by 2025 is noted, the Committee’s critique highlights the urgent need for improved investigative processes and judicial oversight to prevent abuse and uphold fundamental human rights.
Original Source: m.akipress.com
