UN Country Team in Mongolia: Statement on Proposed Amendments to the Law on National Naadam Festival Concerning Child Jockeys
The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Mongolia expresses its concern regarding the proposed amendments to the Law on National Naadam that would permit children aged 14 to 17 to participate as jockeys in spring horse racing. While the UNCT fully recognizes horse racing as an important element of Mongolia’s cultural heritage and national identity, cultural traditions must continue to evolve in ways that uphold the human rights, dignity and best interests of all children.
The proposed amendments would authorize children to participate in long-distance horse races held during or immediately after the Lunar New Year period, when severe winter conditions often persist across much of the country. These circumstances expose children to significant risks associated with high-speed racing over extended distances in extreme cold, snow, ice and difficult terrain. Such risks include serious injury, disability and loss of life, as documented by incidents and national data on child jockey accidents in recent years. Evidence indicates that hundreds of children have been injured in horse racing-related activities, while fatalities and permanent disabilities continue to occur despite the introduction of safety measures and protective equipment.
The UNCT notes the efforts made in the draft legislation to enhance safety through protective gear, insurance coverage and medical support. However, the central concern is not solely the adequacy of protective measures, but the continued involvement of children in an activity recognized internationally as hazardous by its nature. The ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations has repeatedly called upon Mongolia to ensure that no person under the age of 18 is engaged as a horse jockey, consistent with the principles and obligations of ILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst forms of child labour.
Raising the minimum age from childhood to 14 years does not address this underlying concern, as children aged 14 to 17 remain entitled to protection from hazardous work under international law.
Beyond the immediate physical risks, the participation of children in horse racing may adversely affect their education, development and future opportunities. Available data indicates that large numbers of children continue to be engaged as jockeys, often resulting in prolonged absences from school and reduced educational attainment. Protecting children from hazardous activities is therefore not only a matter of safety, but also of safeguarding their long-term development and well-being.
The UNCT recalls the important progress Mongolia has made in recent years to strengthen child protection and restrict the participation of child jockeys in winter and spring horse racing. These measures have represented positive steps toward implementing Mongolia’s commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and relevant ILO conventions. Preserving this progress is essential to ensuring that Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage continues to be celebrated in a manner consistent with international human rights standards and the best interests of the child.
The UNCT therefore respectfully encourages the State Great Khural of Mongolia to ensure that any amendments to the Law on National Naadam fully uphold the best interests of the child and remain consistent with Mongolia’s national and international commitments on child protection. The UNCT remains ready to support continued dialogue and evidence-based solutions that safeguard both Mongolia's valued traditions and the rights, safety and well-being of every child.
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