Building a National Vision for the Right to Housing in Mongolia

Introduction

Mongolia faces a deepening housing crisis, driven by rapid urbanization, economic inequality, and climate change. Ulaanbaatar, the capital, has become a microcosm of these challenges: nearly 60% of its population lives in informal ger (yurt) districts, lacking access to basic services like clean water, sanitation, and heating. Meanwhile, rural-urban migration continues unabated, straining infrastructure and exacerbating overcrowding. Against this backdrop, the Mongolian government, civil society, and international partners are working to articulate a national right-to-housing framework—one that aligns with constitutional guarantees and global human rights standards.

This document outlines Mongolia’s efforts to redefine housing as a fundamental right to housing, not a commodity, and proposes policy pathways to achieve equitable, sustainable housing for all.

1. The Context: Why Housing Matters

Housing is more than shelter; it’s a cornerstone of dignity, health, and economic stability. In Mongolia, the stakes are particularly high:

• Urbanization Pressures: Over 70% of Mongolians now live in cities, with Ulaanbaatar absorbing most migrants. The city’s ger districts, home to 800,000+ people, lack formal land rights and infrastructure.

• Climate Vulnerability: Harsh winters (reaching -40°C) make inadequate housing deadly, especially for the poor who rely on coal heating, contributing to severe air pollution.

• Economic Disparities: A booming mining sector has inflated housing prices, pushing low-income families into precarious living conditions.

The government recognizes that without systemic change, inequality will deepen. Thus, the push for a right to housing—a legal obligation to ensure safe, affordable housing for every citizen—has gained urgency.

2. Legal Foundations: Mongolia’s Housing Rights Framework

Mongolia’s Constitution (Article 16) explicitly guarantees housing rights, but implementation lags. Key legal and policy milestones include:

• 2019 National Housing Policy: Aimed at improving affordability but criticized for favoring market-driven solutions over public housing.

• 2020 Constitutional Amendment: Strengthened housing as a justiciable right, allowing citizens to sue the state for failures in provision.

• UN Human Rights Commitments: Mongolia’s ratification of the ICESCR (International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights) binds it to progressive housing policies.

However, gaps persist:

• Land Ownership Conflicts: State-owned land dominates, yet informal settlements lack tenure security.

• Weak Enforcement: Laws exist, but corruption and bureaucracy hinder execution.

The document argues for a paradigm shift—from treating right to housing as a market commodity to a public good backed by enforceable legal mechanisms.

3. Challenges to Housing Justice

A. Urban Informality and Exclusion

Ger districts symbolize systemic neglect. Residents face:

• No Legal Titles: 90% lack land ownership, leaving them vulnerable to eviction.

• Service Deficits: Only 10% have piped water; most rely on unsafe wells or costly water trucks.

Proposed Solutions:

• Land Titling Programs: Pilot projects granting tenure rights (e.g., the 2018 Ger Area Redevelopment Plan).

• Infrastructure Investment: Expanding utilities via public-private partnerships.

B. Affordability and Market Failures

Skyrocketing rents and mortgage unaffordability (only 5% qualify for loans) price out low-income families.

Proposed Solutions:

• Social Housing Expansion: South Korea’s public housing model (e.g., 20% affordable units in new developments) is cited as inspiration.

• Rent Control: Temporary measures to curb exploitation in high-demand areas.

C. Climate and Health Risks

Air pollution from coal heating kills 1,500+ annually. Ger districts lack insulation, forcing reliance on polluting stoves.

Proposed Solutions:

• Green Housing Initiatives: Insulated, solar-powered homes piloted by NGOs like Geres.

• Subsidized Clean Energy: Switching households to electric heaters with tariff subsidies.

4. Global Lessons: What Mongolia Can Learn

The document highlights international models:

• Finland’s “Housing First”: Eliminating homelessness by providing unconditional housing paired with social services.

• Singapore’s Public Housing: 80% of citizens live in state-built flats, with strict anti-speculation laws.

• Brazil’s City Statute: Legalizing informal settlements and integrating them into urban planning.

For Mongolia, key takeaways include:

• Decentralization: Municipal governments need more power and funding to tailor solutions.

• Community Participation: Grassroots input in housing design (e.g., participatory budgeting in Porto Alegre).

5. A National Vision: Policy Recommendations

The document proposes a multi-pronged strategy:

A. Legislative Reforms

• Housing Rights Act: Codify the right to housing with clear state obligations and penalties for violations.

• Anti-Eviction Laws: Protect ger dwellers during redevelopment.

B. Financial Mechanisms

• Housing Trust Fund: Pooled funding from mining revenues, taxes, and international aid.

• Microfinance for Homebuilding: Low-interest loans for self-construction in rural areas.

C. Sustainable Urban Planning

• Compact City Model: Curb sprawl by investing in high-density, mixed-income neighborhoods.

• Eco-Districts: Pilot zero-emission housing with renewable energy.

D. Social Equity Measures

• Prioritize Vulnerable Groups: Quotas for women-headed households, disabled, and elderly in housing schemes.

• Rental Subsidies: Temporary support for families in transition.

6. The Road Ahead: Collaboration and Advocacy

Achieving housing justice requires:

• Government Commitment: Aligning ministries (e.g., Construction, Finance, Environment) under a unified housing agenda.

• Civil Society Mobilization: NGOs like the Mongolian Women’s Fund advocate for gendered housing policies.

• International Support: Partnerships with UN-Habitat and the World Bank for technical/financial aid.

The document ends with a call to action: Mongolia must treat housing as a human right, not a privilege, and invest in inclusive, climate-resilient solutions.

Conclusion: Housing as the Foundation of Mongolia’s Future

Mongolia’s housing crisis is solvable—but only through bold, systemic action. By learning from global best practices and centering marginalized voices, the nation can turn its constitutional ideals into reality. The vision outlined here isn’t just about buildings; it’s about justice, ensuring every Mongolian has a safe place to call home.

Also Read: Housing Finance Institutions in Bangladesh- A Comparative Study on BHBFC & DBH