By SMHRIC
New York

The Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center (SMHRIC) welcomes the signing into law of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 by President Donald J. Trump on December 18, 2025. The enacted law, S.1071 (ENR), includes a historic and unprecedented provision addressing the situation in Southern Mongolia (Inner Mongolia), marking the first time in history that a national law anywhere in the world has explicitly included a provision dedicated to Southern Mongolia.

The final enrolled bill signed by the President includes Section 5605, titled “Establishing an Inner Mongolia Section within the United States Mission in China.” This provision authorizes the U.S. Department of State to enhance monitoring, reporting, and engagement related to the political, social, and human rights conditions faced by Southern Mongolians under Chinese administration.

Under Section 5605(a), the Secretary of State may establish an Inner Mongolia team within the United States Mission in China to follow political, economic, and social developments in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and other areas designated by the People’s Republic of China as autonomous for Mongolians. The provision specifically calls for due consideration to hiring Mongolians as Locally Employed Staff, a recognition of the importance of community-based knowledge and linguistic competence.

The law outlines clear responsibilities for the Inner Mongolia team, including:

  • Human Rights Reporting: Monitoring and reporting on internationally recognized human rights issues affecting Southern Mongolians.
  • Environmental and Resource Oversight: Tracking developments in critical minerals mining, environmental degradation, and related strategic concerns.
  • Geopolitical and Security Monitoring: Assessing developments related to PRC space capabilities in the region.
  • Access and Transparency: Evaluating access to Mongolian autonomous areas for U.S. officials, journalists, non-governmental organizations, and members of the Mongolian diaspora.

To support effective implementation, Section 5605(a)(3) urges the Secretary of State to ensure sufficient Mongolian-language proficiency within the Department and adequate resources for the U.S. Mission in China to hire Mongolian-speaking local staff.

The law further requires that within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary of State submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing staffing related to the Inner Mongolia team.

Human rights advocates regard the enactment of this provision as a milestone in international recognition of the systematic cultural suppression, environmental exploitation, and political marginalization faced by six million Southern Mongolians living under Chinese rule.

“This is the world’s first-ever historic bill that has become law with a specific provision on Southern Mongolia. President Trump’s signature has transformed years of advocacy into binding law,” said Enghebatu Togochog, Director of SMHRIC. “This is an important milestone demonstrating the United States’ leadership in formally recognizing Southern Mongolian issues and advancing a legislative framework to address China’s policies in Southern Mongolia.”

SMHRIC urges the U.S. government to ensure full, timely, and meaningful implementation of the Southern Mongolia provisions now enshrined in U.S. law.

Click here for the full text of S.1071(ENR)