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.

The landscape in Mongolia is particularly bleak. Lawsuits against journalists are increasing and the government’s lack of transparency and sensitivity to criticism limit their ability to act as a watch dog.

Mongolia’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index 2016 dropped six points (from 54 in 2015 to 60) and that’s simply, not good enough.

Since 2005, Globe International Center has been monitoring violations of journalists’ professional rights and freedom of expression. As of January 2017, 519 cases had been registered and at least one case reported each week.

Among registered cases: 52.5% involved websites, 26.2% TV stations, 14.8% newspapers and 6.5% involved individual reporters. More than 75% of incidents occurred in Ulaanbaatar and 23% in the provinces. In 57.4% of cases, journalists’ rights and freedom of expression were violated by high-ranking public officials, government organizations or authorities.

These statistics are sobering and risks the reporters face are real — for fear of further reprisal. With this in mind, we are unable to include all cases in this report. Although the total number of cases in 2016 was slightly lower than in 2015, it could well be the result of self-censorship by reporters.

WPFD is a time to remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression — and a time to remind the public of their right to demand truth in reporting. Excellence in journalism can only thrive in an enabling environment and it is only when those very conditions are in place that media can reach its full potential; to advance peace, just, and inclusive societies.

World Press Freedom Day represents an opportunity to advance the fundamental principles of press freedom and to pay tribute to journalists who’ve lost their lives in the line of duty.

In 2017, WPFD will focus on why it’s vital to strengthen free and quality journalism. It is only through this that the media can effectively contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 16 - specifically, the inter-relationships between freedom of expression, justice for all, and the rule of law, which recognizes the importance of public access to information.

With the financial support of, and in cooperation with UNESCO Beijing Office, Globe International Center has a number of activities planned throughout April and May.

Our immediate objectives are to raise media and public awareness of WPFD and Sustainable Development Goals, empower Mongolian youth, educate online journalists on the role of fostering SDGs and reinforce discussion on ways media accountability contributes to their implementation.

Our main activities in April and May will be: An essay competition for Law and Journalism students will run throughout April. Themes are in accordance with UNESCO concepts and linked to local issues. Topics include freedom of expression, digital rights, the safety of journalists in a troubled world, online ethics, the right to information and protecting sources and whistleblowers.

On April 28th Globe International and the Mongolian Website Association will host a training workshop for news and information sites. The session will address media accountability, journalism ethics crisis and role of the media in fostering SGDs.

A social media campaign throughout April will address privacy and digital security, media and information literacy.
A media coalition will be established to promote media freedom and advocate for UNESCO and UPR implementations as part of the 2017 WPFD campaign. To draw attention to the importance of press freedom and the public’s right to truthful information, a televised debate is planned for May 2nd.

With the support of the Mongolian Open Society Forum and UNESCO Beijing Office, World Press Freedom Day will be commemorated on May 3rd. The multi-stakeholder event includes the presentation of the 2016 Media Freedom Award, publication of the 2016 Media Freedom Report and announcement of the World Press Freedom Day essay competition winners. 

Most importantly, it will mark a significant step forward for Mongolian media, with the signing of a MoU with the Supreme Court, General Prosecutors Office and Police Authority, for cooperation on the UN Action Plan for the Safety and Impunity of Journalists.

*Globe International Center is a Mongolian NGO, dedicated to promoting freedom of expression and information since its establishment in 1999. It’s a member of IFEX, GFMD and Forum Asia.

World Press Freedom Day 2017 activities and events have been made possible due to the generous support and cooperation of our sponsors, UNESCO Beijing and GIC Planning.

For more information, please visit our website: www.globeinter.org.mn and www.upr-mongolia.mn
 
For further comment: President and CEO, Naranjargal Khashkhuu: hnaran@globeinter.org.mn
Media Program Coordinator, Ayushjav Tumurbaatar: globemon@gmail.com