(6 September, Ulaanbaatar) — Over the last days — 2-5 September 2017 — the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and its members from Mongolia, the Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) and Globe International center (GIC) consulted and met with a range of stakeholders on human rights issues in Mongolia, including civil societies, local human rights defenders, political parties — among them the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) and the Democratic Party — and the Mongolian National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC).

Following the two-day National Consultation on Human Rights Defenders, on 4-5 September FORUM-ASIA and its members from Mongolia, the Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) and Globe International center (GIC) consulted and met with a range of stakeholders on human rights issues in Mongolia, including civil societies, local human rights defenders, political parties — among them the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) and the Democratic Party — and the Mongolian National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC).

The second day of the National Consultation: Human Rights Defenders Network 2017 on Sunday 3 September 2017 largely focused on reflecting on progress made in plans identified the year before, and drafting an action plan for the coming time. However, the first session in the morning gave the floor to several experts to present on key legislation and laws relevant for human rights defenders in Mongolia.

From 2-6 September, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) will be in Mongolia to support, together with its members the Centre for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) and Globe International center (GIC) human rights defenders and civil society, and to engage with political parties, Members of Parliament, the Mongolian Human Rights Commission on previously made recommendations related to the promotion and protection of human rights.

Almost 20 years ago the United Nations General Assembly declared May 3rd to be World Press Freedom Day. Their goal was to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments worldwide of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.

During WPFD 2017, Globe International Center, the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO and the Confederation of Mongolian Journalists signed a Memorandum of Understanding with General Judicial Council of Mongolia (GJC).

Globe’s essay competition for Law and Journalism students attracted a large number of entries this year. A total of 49 entries were received, with the majority of 28 from Journalism students.

We are pleased to present to you the 2016 Media Freedom Report. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to UNESCO Beijing Office for their support of our publication.

At a time when governments accuse journalists of spreading ‘fake news’, World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd 2017, is more important than ever. Original, critical and well-researched journalism is desperately needed.