B.Bulgamaa – UB Post – Leading English News (Mongolia) – Thurs 22 Jan, 2009
Yesterday a human trafficking trial began in the Songino Khairkhan District’s court. A Mongolian national, M.Purevbat, is charged with kidnapping girls and forcing them into the sex trade. According to the charges, Purevbat may be responsible for the disappearances of 100 girls. If convicted, he could face 5- 15 years imprisonment.
According to a report titled “Country Gender Assessment-2008”, which was completed by the National Network of Mongolian Women’s Organizations, together with Asia Development Bank, SDB and CEG, protection against human trafficking, for its victims and witnesses protection have not originated yet in Mongolia. The report says that the lack of protection for victims and witnesses serves as a major deterrent for reporting trafficking and forced prostitution. They also highlighted the serious need for legal reform to ensure compensation for psychological and mental health damage and for broadening legal, social and psychological support to victims, as well as the need for more public awareness and capacity-building of government institutions.
The age of sex workers in Mongolia has decreased significantly. The report also states that Mongolian law favors those who solicit sex, while disproportionately punishing those who illegally provide it as a service. . .
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