UN Committee Against Torture Calls for Reforms in Mongolia’s Approach to Torture Investigations

The UN Committee against Torture has reported on Mongolia’s commitment to tackle torture and ill-treatment by proposing legislation for a dedicated investigation unit by 2025. However, concerns remain about delays in progress, ineffective investigations, high dismissal rates of torture allegations, and the lack of judicial oversight in arrests by certain agencies. The Committee calls for independent mechanisms to ensure accountability and protect human rights.

The UN Committee against Torture (CAT) has recently published its findings regarding several countries, including Mongolia. The report highlighted Mongolia’s commitment to propose legislation aimed at creating a dedicated unit by 2025 to investigate cases of torture and ill-treatment against individuals in custody. However, the Committee expressed concerns regarding the slow progress in this matter since the last review, notably emphasizing potential conflicts of interest within investigation processes.

Moreover, the Committee raised alarm about the high dismissal rates of torture cases handled by the Investigation Division of the Anti-Corruption Agency and the General Police Department. They urged Mongolia to expedite the establishment of an independent mechanism that would thoroughly investigate actions by public officials, especially law enforcement personnel accused of torture and maltreatment. Furthermore, the necessity for investigators to operate free from any influence or hierarchical ties to the alleged perpetrators was stressed.

Despite acknowledging Mongolia’s efforts to bolster legal protections, the Committee voiced worries regarding the ongoing practice of arrests, particularly by the General Intelligence Agency and the Anti-Corruption Agency, which occur with prosecutor consent rather than judicial oversight. The Committee strongly recommended that law enforcement agencies be mandated to secure judicial warrants for arrests, except in cases where there is a crime in progress.

The UN Committee against Torture is an international body focused on the enforcement of the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Mongolia, along with other nations, was reviewed during the Committee’s latest session, in which its compliance with the Convention was assessed. The Committee’s recommendations seek to address ongoing issues related to torture, ensuring that proper legal frameworks and independent investigative mechanisms are established to protect human rights and uphold justice.

In conclusion, the UN Committee against Torture has highlighted significant issues regarding the handling of torture cases in Mongolia, stressing the necessity for legislative and procedural reforms. The urgency to establish independent investigatory bodies and enhance judicial oversight for arrests is paramount. The recommendations aim to strengthen the protection of individuals in custody while ensuring accountability among law enforcement officials, underscoring the vital need for progress in this critical human rights arena.

Original Source: m.akipress.com