AKIPRESS.COM - The European Union-Mongolia sixth Human Rights Dialogue was held virtually on July 18, the EU Diplomatic Service says.

The EU and Mongolia discussed a broad range of human rights related issues. The EU underlined the importance of preserving the rules-based international order, multilateralism, respect for international law and principles of the UN Charter.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the universality and indivisibility of human rights and the full implementation of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, including further strengthening cooperation on human rights and the rule of law.

Mongolia and the EU discussed the implementation of the recommendations accepted by Mongolia during its United Nations Universal Periodic Review. The EU encouraged Mongolia to continue working on the removal of referencec to the death penalty in the constitution, and on combating discrimination based on any ground.

The sides exchanged on the follow up of the Concluding Observations of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The EU highlighted the need to adopt comprehensive legislation prohibiting discrimination, including multiple, direct, and indirect discrimination on all grounds prohibited under international law.

Mongolia and the EU discussed the follow up of the Concluding Observations of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The EU stressed the importance of a safe and enabling space for civil society and human rights defenders. The EU positively referred to Mongolia's law on the protection of human rights defenders, and encouraged to enforce this law to protect human rights defenders.

The EU and Mongolia also exchanged on the work in strengthening the judicial system and ensuring its independence. The EU welcomed the judicial reforms in Mongolia and presented its activities in the field of support to the judiciary.

The EU welcomed the adoption of the revised law on the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia (NHRCM) and stressed the need to strengthen its independence and effective capacity.

The EU congratulated Mongolia on the launching of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and reiterated support to its implementation as part of the Business and Human Rights in Asia.

Mongolia and the EU discussed cooperation in international human rights field, including the UN General Assembly. They agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the framework of the Alliance for Torture-Free Trade.

The meeting was co-chaired by Nicoletta Pusterla, Deputy Head of Division for China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Mongolia at the European External Action Service and by Tseveen Navchaa, Head of the Human Rights Division at the International Law and Treaty Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia.