“At a time when some powerful global actors are openly defying and even vilifying human rights, including through transnational repression, Mongolia’s positive commitment stands out,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said.

However, concerns over corruption remain. One civil society representative told him, “corruption is the biggest bottleneck to the development of the country”.

“Stronger anti-corruption measures are clearly necessary, including to earn the trust of the population and reinforce the rule of law,” Mr. Türk said.

Young people driving change

Climate change remains a major threat to sustainable development in Mongolia, including through increasingly severe winter freezes, droughts, floods and storms that could affect a wide range of human rights.

Mr. Türk also highlighted Mongolia’s young and active population, many of whom are increasingly concerned about the future, the planet and the impact of digital technology and social media on society.

“It is important that governments are responsive and think in terms of long-term intergenerational impact, not just short-term political or economic gains,” he said.

Haiti: Alarming rise in rape cases

The first three months of this year saw nearly 2,000 incidents of gender-based violence in Haiti – about 21 cases per day – according to the UN relief coordination office, OCHA.

More than 70 per cent of the cases involved rape, a sharp increase from the previous quarter, when rapes accounted for 49 per cent of incidents. Most were reportedly gang rapes carried out by armed groups, with women and girls making up the majority of survivors.

The rise follows a broader increase in gender-based violence last year, when partners recorded more than 8,000 incidents – a 25 per cent increase compared to 2024.

Support services only eight per cent funded

Despite the worsening crisis, support services remain severely underfunded. So far this year, only $1.2 million of the $15 million required has been received – just eight per cent of the total needed.

The funding gap is severely limiting access to emergency medical care within the critical 72-hour period after assault, as well as psychosocial support and temporary shelter.

Overall, Haiti continues to face a deep humanitarian crisis. Around 1.45 million people are internally displaced, while nearly six million – about half the population – are acutely food insecure.

Hunger surges in Afghanistan, women and children worst affected

Afghanistan is grappling with overlapping crises, including economic collapse, job losses and climate shocks, compounded by rising regional tensions that are driving up prices and worsening food insecurity.

“The little food we can afford we give to our children, but that is not enough,” said Raqiba Ahmadi in the northeastern city of Faizabad. Her youngest daughter is recovering from malnutrition and her husband is unemployed.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned that these combined pressures have depleted stocks of specialized food used to help women and children recover from malnutrition.

Lifeline under threat

“Programmes such as nutrition assistance are essential, not optional,” said John Aylieff, WFP Country Director in Afghanistan.

Even before the latest shocks, Afghanistan was facing record levels of hunger and malnutrition. More than 13.8 million people now face acute food insecurity, while nearly five million children and pregnant or breastfeeding women are malnourished.

Nutrition assistance and food rations remain a lifeline for millions of women and children across the country, Mr. Aylieff said.

“But unfortunately, this lifeline has already been severed, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands of mothers and children,” he warned.