Publication: Justice Sector Reform in Mongolia : Looking Back, Looking Forward
Date
2011-01
ISSN
Published
2011-01
Author(s)
Gramckow, Heike
Allen, Frances
Abstract
The justice sector in Mongolia has
changed significantly in the 20 years since the country
became a democracy. From the very beginning, the World Bank
and other international partners have provided significant
assistance to reform processes, particularly in areas
concerned with the development of an independent judiciary.
Especially in comparison to other countries in the region,
Mongolia's reform efforts have been generally
successful. During the early and economically difficult
times since democracy was established, reform activities
naturally focused on legal reforms, including the creation
of a legislative framework for democratic institutions, the
transition to a market economy, and for needed changes in
the relationship between the state and the people. This was
followed at the end of the millennium by concerted efforts
to reform justice institutions and to improve human
capacities for supporting, implementing and sustaining
reforms. Mongolia was the first developing nation to pursue
comprehensive and inclusive strategic planning for its
justice sector. Its strategic plan has provided a roadmap
for reforms over many years and withstood leadership changes
in both the government and in the key justice agencies. Much
has been achieved, considering the challenges that have been
overcome in terms of justice system infrastructure, human
capacities and changes in attitudes, all with only very
limited budget resources. At the same time, reform gaps
exist and public trust in the justice sector is lacking.
Critics continue to point to weak and uneven decision making
capacities of prosecutors and judges, despite more than a
decade of intensive donor support for their training. This
paper reviews some of the underlying issues affecting
justice reforms in Mongolia; and points to areas that
require attention to overcome the current shortcomings and challenges.
Link to Data Set
Citation
“Gramckow, Heike; Allen, Frances. 2011. Justice Sector Reform in Mongolia : Looking Back, Looking Forward. Justice and development working paper series;no. 16. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/18323 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”