THE 61ST SESSION OF THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL IS TAKING PLACE IN GENEVA

The 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council is taking place in Geneva from 23 February to 31 March 2026. During the session, the Council will hold seven panel discussions, and 36 interactive dialogues with the High Commissioner, his Office (OHCHR), as well as with Special Procedure mandate holders and investigative mechanisms on a wide range of human rights issues. 

From 2 to 4 March, the Mongolian delegation participated in the interactive dialogues with the UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Dr. Alice J. Edwards, and the Special Rapporteur in the field of Cultural Rights, Ms. Alexandra Xanthaki, and expressed its positions on the topics under discussion.

Speaking on behalf of the Alliance for Torture-free Trade at the discussion with the UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Permanent Representative D. Gerelmaa expressed concern about the absence of global regulations banning inherently abusive equipment and controlling the trade in law enforcement equipment that can be misused for torture and other ill-treatment, the absolute prohibition of which is a peremptory norm in international law.

She further called on all States to take effective measures to prevent and prohibit the use and trade of inherently abusive law enforcement equipment and to join the Global Alliance for Torture-Free Trade.

Engaging further in the work of the current session, the Delegation of Mongolia will present the Government’s position during the discussions with the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food and the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities this week. The 61st session continues.