Mr. President Vuk Jeremic
Mr. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,
Excellencies, Ladies & Gentleman

One of the major goals of Mongolia’s transition to democracy was aimed at
establishing a society ruled by law. Today after more than 20 years since our
democratic revolution – where not a single window was shattered – I confidently
reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law.

I commend the Secretary-General’s leadership focusing on this issue, as it is
essential for both democratic values and for economic prosperity.

Human rights and the rule of law are interlinked. They belong to the universal
and indivisible core values and principles of mankind. If there is no rule of
law, it is not possible to ensure human rights and full enjoyment of freedom.
This is at the heart, the core, of the social contract between the State and
its people. It requires concrete measures to ensure adherence to the principles
of the supremacy of law, equality before the law, accountability to the law,
and fairness in applying the law.

Mr. President,

The rule of law and corruption cannot co-exist together. Freedom, human rights
and the rule of law are non negotiable, as is the fight against corruption. The
law should apply equally for anyone. It is a core principle of democracy that
no one is above the law – no one. That includes everyone from high government
officials to ordinary citizens.

Historically, Mongolians have governed the state by rule of law. We have strong
penalties for corruption. In developing nations, corruption is the mortal enemy
of democracy. It is like an infectious disease – it must be attacked head on,
it must be a priority.

The crime called corruption is committed by public servants, and not citizens.
The fight against corruption is a test for all leaders and public servants.
Since corruption is a serious crime which has connection with power and
questionable wealth, some who commit corruption try to create the court of
public opinion in order to avoid the court of law.

There are strong relations between corruption and socio-economic development.
When you have higher levels of corruption, you have less development. This
fight for the rule of law, therefore, is also a fight for more transparent and
successful economic development.

Education is crucial in the fight against corruption. Educated populations
where citizens know their rights do not let their leaders abuse their power.
Mongolia is a young democracy. Our success is not just political or economic;
it must be judicial as well. We need an independent judiciary – and focused on
creating a judiciary that is immune from political pressure. We have more than
20 new legislative acts to bring structural reform of our legal system.

Mr. President,

We see the rule of law as a guarantee as the fundamental human rights and
freedom. Governments are created by people – and must serve people. The
Government should honor human rights and never take human life. I believe capital
punishment is wrong – it degrades human dignity. It brings no peace to society.
It does not deter crime and does not lift up mankind.

Since June 2009, Mongolia has been commuting death sentences. I have declared a
moratorium as President. We are working on legislation to abolish the death
penalty once and for all.

Mr. President,

Last year, Mongolia assumed the presidency over the Community of Democracies.

Advancing rule of law is a top priority for us – and we applaud the effort by
the international community. I am grateful that the United Nations, and
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in particular, has made the rule of law a top
priority. It is a passion of mine and a goal of Mongolia as well – because our
democratic progress and economic success depends upon it.

Thank you for all