Investigating the effectiveness of Mongolia's juvenile justice system in protecting children's rights

The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which Mongolia’s juvenile justice system aligns with international standards in the protection of children’s rights. The methodology was based on a qualitative analysis of a broad range of documentary sources, including Mongolian legislation, international standards, and relevant reports from international and national organisations between 2020 and 2025. The research employed methods of theoretical inquiry, comparative legal analysis, and document analysis. It was established that, despite considerable progress in harmonising national legislation with international norms – particularly since 2016-2017 – a significant gap remains between legal provisions and their practical implementation. The study identified limited effectiveness of the system due to chronic underfunding, a shortage of qualified personnel, weak inter-agency coordination, and inconsistent application of the best interests of the child principle.