On March 26, the fifth annual meeting took place, gathering representatives from the governments and civil society of the United States and Mongolia. This event discussed both achievements and challenges that have arisen over the past five years under the Child Protection Agreement (CPA) between the two countries.
Under the CPA, the U.S. allocated $6.5 million in foreign aid, which was directed to organizations such as World Vision, The Asia Foundation, and local partners to combat human trafficking in Mongolia.
President Trump reaffirmed the United States' commitment to actively combat human trafficking, highlighting the administration's successes in this area. He noted efforts to curb forced labor, increased funding for the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and improved tools to support victims. This new foreign policy, under the slogan "America First," ties foreign aid to the administration's key priorities, which Trump believes makes the country safer and stronger.
"Today's dialogue is an opportunity not only to acknowledge the progress made but also to take specific commitments that will ensure the long-term sustainability of these achievements. If we succeed, the legacy of this agreement, which now totals $6.5 million, will be measured in safer children, stronger families, and a justice system that truly reflects one simple standard: in Mongolia, the interests of children come first, and no child should suffer from the trauma of exploitation," stated U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Neil Vermillion in his speech.
This program promotes the rule of law and child protection in collaboration with an important strategic partner in Asia.
Under the CPA, Mongolia has developed standard operating procedures and criteria for identifying, referring, and reporting cases of human trafficking, as well as providing assistance to victims. Eight child zones have been established, the legislative framework for combating human trafficking has been improved, and the first national rehabilitation center for children who have been victims of sexual violence and exploitation has been opened. These measures aim to protect victims and facilitate more effective cooperation with law enforcement in combating human trafficking crimes, often carried out through transnational networks.
The CPA dialogue included U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Neil Vermillion, Acting Senior Coordinator of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Mark Forstrom, as well as the Deputy Attorney General, Deputy Minister for Family, Labor and Social Protection, and the head of the Secretariat of the Government of Mongolia's Crime Prevention Coordination Council.
