By B.Nyamsuren

Ulaanbaatar – Government officials and civil society representatives from the United States and Mongolia convened the fifth annual bilateral dialogue under the Child Protection Compact (CPC) on March 26, reviewing progress and challenges over the past five years of cooperation to combat human trafficking.

The United States has provided $6.5 million in assistance through the CPC, supporting organizations including World Vision, The Asia Foundation and local partners to strengthen Mongolia’s anti-trafficking efforts.

U.S. Chargé d’affaires Neal Vermillion said the dialogue marked an opportunity to both assess progress and commit to sustaining results.

“If we succeed, the legacy of this compact will be measured in safer children, stronger families and a justice system that ensures no child suffers exploitation,” he said.

The CPC program has contributed to a range of developments in Mongolia, including the adoption of standard procedures for identifying and reporting trafficking cases, improved victim services and legal reforms. Eight child-friendly spaces have been established, and the country’s first national rehabilitation center for children affected by sexual abuse and exploitation has been created.

Officials said these efforts have strengthened cooperation with law enforcement and enhanced Mongolia’s capacity to address trafficking crimes, including those linked to transnational criminal networks.

Participants in the dialogue included senior U.S. and Mongolian officials, such as Acting Senior Coordinator at the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Mark Forstrom and representatives from Mongolia’s Prosecutor General’s Office and the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Protection.

Source: Zuuniimedee № 58 (7795) March 27, 2026

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