Anti-Trafficking Program in Mongolia In Mongolia, trafficking in persons for sexual and labor exploitation is on the rise, though relatively few cases have been tried, and fewer perpetrators convicted. Law enforcement and judicial officials face daunting challenges in their efforts to investi- gate, prosecute, and adjudicate human trafficking cases. Though Mongolian anti-trafficking statutes were significantly strengthened in early 2008, weaknesses remain in the interpretation and implementation of the legal code. The Asia Foundation has been at the forefront of addressing human trafficking issues in Mongolia since 2002. Through programs implemented to date, the Foundation has: provided technical assistance to strengthen and adopt key legislation that adheres to the Palermo Protocol supplement- ing the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime; established a highly successful hotline, in partnership with the Mongolian Gender Equality Center, which has received more than 3,800 calls resulting in a significant increase in trafficking cases registered with the police; and reached an estimated 100,000 youth through multi-media and awareness campaigns to prevent trafficking across the country. From 2009-2011, the Foundation continued its anti-trafficking efforts through a program to deter human trafficking, from and within Mongolia, through improved investigation, increased prose- cution, and strengthened prevention. STRENGTHENING THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND LAW ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY TO INVESTIGATE, PROSECUTE, AND ADJUDICATE PERPETRATORS In partnership with the Mongolian Human Rights Center for Citizens, The Asia Foundation conducted a series of trainings for more than 160 judges, prosecutors, investigators, and advocates. The trainings promoted a common understand- ing of legislative best practices and effective use of legal instruments. Additionally, in partnership with the Mongolian Women Lawyers’ Association, the Foundation supported the passage of a Law on Combating Trafficking in Persons. The Foundation has also contributed to compulsory training curricula for judges and prosecutors at the National Legal Institute, trained more than 600 law practitioners across the country, and built the capacity of anti-trafficking investigations. The Foundation also supported the Government of Mongolia to expand international cooperation to combat trafficking, resulting in a landmark coop- eration agreement signed with the Government of Macau, SAR. Since the amendment to the Criminal Code in 2008 an increase in trafficking cases filed in court has lead to 41 convictions with 80 perpetrators under Articles 113 and 124 of the Criminal Code of Mongolia. In May 2009, the Foundation was awarded a two-year program to reduce and deter human trafficking, from and within Mongolia, through improved investigation, prosecution, and prevention. The Asia Foundation has been working in Mongolia since 1993. MONGOLIA FACT SHEET The Asia Foundation promotes justice, accountability, and prosperity in Mongolia.