Globe International NGO has launched a six-month project, “Protecting Journalists’ Confidential Sources and Repealing the Criminal Defamation Legislation, starting from October 1, 2007. The project, funded by the US Embassy, is aimed at promoting the media’s role in contributing to transparent and accountable governance. The objective of the project is to draft legislation on the protection of journalists’ sources and to make amendments to Mongolia’s Criminal Law pertaining to defamation to make the legislation consistent with international standards. The draft legislation team (DLT) consists of 11 people who have vast legal experience. At the DLT meeting on October 31, the team decided to work separately on protecting journalists’ sources and on the amendment of criminal defamation legislation.

The DLT meeting, held at Globe International NGO, included participation from H.Naranjargal, B.Galaarid, S.Bayar, P.Oyuntsetseg, D.Saranchimeg, M.Altan-Ulzii, G.Davaakhuu, and D.Munkhburen.

DLT member G.Davaakhuu is leading the team on the amendment of criminal defamation legislation. He distributed a work plan to the DLT. They also discussed researching other countries’ law. At the end of the meeting, they agreed to send an email to G.Davaakhuu on November 9 on whether they should amend the current law or devise a new one.