Mongolia is a landlocked country in Asia and borders with the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. With its population of 2.7 million, the country is still in the transition to a democratic society with a market economy. The country’s economy, which is largely dependent on a few sectors such as mining and agriculture, sharply declined in the early 1990s and started recovering in 2000 with an annual average growth rate of 8 per cent. Mongolia has a unique and enduring traditional culture, with its roots in a nomadic, herding lifestyle.
Mongolia has been a member of ILO since 1968 and actively participates in its activities. Mongolia has ratified 15 ILO Conventions including the 8 fundamental Conventions.
In 2005, the Government of Mongolia, the Confederation of Mongolian Trade Unions (CMTU) and the Mongolian Employers' Federation (MONEF) adopted a National Plan of Action for Decent Work (NPA-DW). It was among the first countries in Asia to do so. Having completed implementation of NPA-DW (2005-2009), the constituents are in the process of formulating the NPA-DW for 2010-2015. In accordance with this plan, the ILO provides technical assistance and advice relating to employment creation, human resource development, social protection, social dialogue and the promotion of fundamental principles and rights at work. As part of the Plan some priority areas of work were identified:
- Promoting international labour standards;
- Assisting the country to formulate and implement employment strategies relating to sustainable livelihoods and poverty alleviation, in both the formal and informal economy;
- Ensuring the rights and improving security of the disadvantaged groups; and
- Supporting the development and implementation of social and economic policies through the promotion of tripartite mechanism in the country.
In addition to staff based locally, ILO work in the country is supported by international experts from the ILO Country Office for China and Mongolia, as well as from Bangkok and Geneva.