Prime Minister of Mongolia L. Oyun-Erdene, as the head of the National Council for Children, has remained completely silent on the issue of child jockeys, despite the ongoing debate. Meanwhile, today's decision by the government has effectively transferred the authority to decide whether to hold winter and spring horse races to local governments.
In other words, this move provides the government with an opportunity to shift responsibility, allowing them to later claim, "It was a local decision."
The government has overturned its 2019 resolution, which was issued following a Supreme Court ruling and prohibited horse races, trial runs, and similar events between November 1 and May 1 each year. By doing so, they have distanced themselves from responsibility and violated international conventions.
The National Council for Children, chaired by the Prime Minister, is responsible for ensuring children's rights, preventing violations, coordinating policies on child protection and development, and advising relevant government and legal entities. These responsibilities are mandated by the Law on Children's Rights.
The Prime Minister of the time is automatically appointed as the head of the National Council for Children. In 2023, during a meeting with representatives who have long worked for children's welfare, L. Oyun-Erdene emphasized that "this should be a top priority for Mongolia’s human development," and acknowledged that "for the past 30 years, this issue has been overlooked by government policies."
But what has been the real measure of Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene’s commitment? Was prioritizing children's rights not enough to cancel winter and spring horse races, where young jockeys endure extreme cold, suffer severe injuries, lifelong disabilities, or even lose their lives? Furthermore, was there no concern for the education, health, and quality of life of these child jockeys, who lack the ability to voice their concerns in society?
By deciding that local governments should handle horse racing and similar events independently, the government has created a situation where local authorities—often closely connected to horse trainers—are almost certain to allow winter horse races. If any provincial governor dares to ban the races, prioritizing children's rights over so-called "cultural heritage," they will become a true people's hero.
To horse trainers, lawmakers with racehorses, and government officials—how many children's lives and health must be sacrificed for your winter entertainment? Does Mongolian tradition hold more value than the well-being and survival of children? Is that the justification behind this government decision?
Translated by ChatGPT
Prime Minister of Mongolia L. Oyun-Erdene, as the head of the National Council for Children, has remained completely silent on the issue of child jockeys, despite the ongoing debate. Meanwhile, today's decision by the government has effectively transferred the authority to decide whether to hold winter and spring horse races to local governments.
In other words, this move provides the government with an opportunity to shift responsibility, allowing them to later claim, "It was a local decision."
The government has overturned its 2019 resolution, which was issued following a Supreme Court ruling and prohibited horse races, trial runs, and similar events between November 1 and May 1 each year. By doing so, they have distanced themselves from responsibility and violated international conventions.
The National Council for Children, chaired by the Prime Minister, is responsible for ensuring children's rights, preventing violations, coordinating policies on child protection and development, and advising relevant government and legal entities. These responsibilities are mandated by the Law on Children's Rights.
The Prime Minister of the time is automatically appointed as the head of the National Council for Children. In 2023, during a meeting with representatives who have long worked for children's welfare, L. Oyun-Erdene emphasized that "this should be a top priority for Mongolia’s human development," and acknowledged that "for the past 30 years, this issue has been overlooked by government policies."
But what has been the real measure of Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene’s commitment? Was prioritizing children's rights not enough to cancel winter and spring horse races, where young jockeys endure extreme cold, suffer severe injuries, lifelong disabilities, or even lose their lives? Furthermore, was there no concern for the education, health, and quality of life of these child jockeys, who lack the ability to voice their concerns in society?
By deciding that local governments should handle horse racing and similar events independently, the government has created a situation where local authorities—often closely connected to horse trainers—are almost certain to allow winter horse races. If any provincial governor dares to ban the races, prioritizing children's rights over so-called "cultural heritage," they will become a true people's hero.
To horse trainers, lawmakers with racehorses, and government officials—how many children's lives and health must be sacrificed for your winter entertainment? Does Mongolian tradition hold more value than the well-being and survival of children? Is that the justification behind this government decision?
Translated by ChatGPT