Ulaanbaatar, April 17, 2024 /MONTSAME/. President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa worked at the “Unur Bul” Child Center of Ulaanbaatar City on April 16, 2024.

President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa congratulated the staff, teachers, workers, graduates, and children of the “Unur Bul” Child Center on the historic 50th anniversary of the Center, wishing them all the best. President Khurelsukh noted that the government had made specific decisions and implemented policies in child protection and development, and this year alone, funding for this sector has increased by 73 percent from previous years to about MNT 14 billion.

Also, President donated necessary equipment and furniture to the Center.

Head of State of Mongolia announced the establishment of Orphanage for Children with Developmental Challenges in Mongolia within the next 2-3 years, and a certain percentage of the required funds for the construction would be included in the State Budget for 2025. 

On December 27, 1974, the kindergarten class affiliated with the orphanage merged with Kindergarten No. 58 of Ulaanbaatar City, forming the foundation of the “Unur Bul” Child Center. Over the past 50 years, more than 1,500 children have been fostered at the center, and 144 children currently live there.

Director of the “Unur Bul” Center M. Ulziichimeg introduced that in addition to the children's room, the Unur Bul Center provides a nurturing environment and conditions to support children's development, rest, and leisure time. These include a library, hospital, and psychology services, as well as computer, handicraft, art, and sports clubs. Additionally, she requested that social welfare benefits and allowances be extended to all children residing at the center, regardless of whether they are full or half-orphans, and also called for an improvement in the quality and quantity of food provided to the children.

Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Mongolia Bulgantuya Khurelbaatar acknowledged the Government's intention to create a legal environment and other necessary social infrastructure. Minister Bulgantuya emphasized that starting next year, child and family social workers would be employed in each khoroo of Ulaanbaatar City and soum of all 21 aimags. Furthermore, funding for child protection services has been secured, ensuring comprehensive protection and rehabilitation services for every child.

The Law on Child Protection will come into effect on September 1, 2024. Currently, the State Great Khural of Mongolia (Parliament) is discussing the revised Law on Family. The Mongolian Government’s Resolution No. 121 of 2024 has led to amendments in the "Regulations for Granting Child Monetary Allowances." Accordingly, every child residing in an orphanage has a savings account. Starting at age 14, children can deposit 80 percent of their allowance into the bank, managing 20 percent for personal expenses. Upon reaching 16, each child will receive his or her savings book.

In Mongolia, over 900 children reside in 29 childcare centers. Three of these centers are fully funded by the State Budget, while the remaining 26 receive funding from international organizations, NGOs, and individuals.