National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia delivered a Commissioner’s recommendation to the Federation of Mongolian Horse Racing Sport and Trainers.

The recommendation read as follows:

“NHRCM reminded the urgency of protection of the rights of child jockeys in its 12^th report on human rights and freedoms in Mongolia.

The Standing Committee on Legal Affairs of the State Great Khural adopted its Resolution No 13 dated 3 July 2013 on implementing the recommendations of the NHRCM by ordering the Government of Mongolia to make analysis in legislation on protection of the rights of the children, to prevent from child abuse and neglect, to improve the legislation on combating against it, and to ensure the implementation of “Requirements for the protective clothing and safety kit used in national horse racing events” (MNS 6264-2011), adopted by the Resolution 28 of the National Board of Standardization

in 2011. Furthermore, as we have recommended not involving children in winter races before, your Federation made decision to prohibit involvement of children in winter races organized between November and June.

However, the NHRCM received information on various planned races related to the lunar new year celebration and preparation and pre-race competitions. As we investigated according to the information, it has been established that a number of races are going to be held and children are going to be involved. (Enclosed 2 photos)

NHRCM has received a number of complaints and messages on violations of the rights of the child jockeys and harms incurred to their health and now is handling the cases of the children who got involved in the horse races and got heavy injures. In addition, the NHRCM concerns the repeated incidents, in which various horse racing competitions were held last year at the national, regional, provincial, and soum’s level and left a number of children injured, disabled, or even dead. Moreover, as you know, the UNICEF addressed official message on this issue.

Thus, in order to prevent from violations of human rights, I am delivering this recommendation within the scope of my full power constituted in the Clause 19.3 of the Law on the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia warning not to involve children winter (cold seasonal) races.

I would like you to reply on the measures undertaken within the scope of the recommendation within the time specified in the Clause 19.3 of the Law on the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia”.

OYUNCHIMEG Purev

Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia