Over the years, Mongolia has witnessed significant improvements in indicators on human rights and fundamental freedoms. However, the country’s progress is currently being threatened as a result of its mineral wealth. In 2020, the government’s commitment to re-prioritise mining and increase its contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) has left many communities vulnerable to its impact. One such community—which is the focus of this research—is the nomadic herder community. Despite calling the land their home for decades, they are slowly losing their rights over it. With support from the government, mining companies are taking over not just their land but also their air, water, health, and livelihoods. Additionally, communities are being threatened into silence, with targeted attacks on human rights defenders (HRDs) becoming more commonplace.

Therefore, this report provides a platform to share the stories and testimonies from herders, impacted community members, the HRDs, and other key stakeholders who are directly or indirectly affected by mining, human rights, and environmental protection issues. Moreover, it aims to offer concrete recommendations for future advocacy at the local, national, and international level.

This report is a synthesis of formal interviews, focus group discussions and desk research by FORUM-ASIA and its member Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD), Mongolia. CHRD provided guidance, expertise and vital support, without which, this support woulod not have been possible.

Read the full report in English here

Read the summary report in Mongolian here

This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.