OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media concludes visit to Mongolia
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro visited Mongolia between 10 and 13 October 2022, where she discussed a broad range of media-related issues with various stakeholders.
The Representative expressed her appreciation for the attention that the authorities pay to media freedom and their inclusive engagement with various stakeholders, when addressing media regulation. “This co-operation will be even more crucial when discussing the improvement of issues such as a clear distinction between defamation and disinformation, enhanced access to information and effective protection of journalists from the different threats they face. We need to have a combination of elements in place such as bigger investment in an efficient media self-regulatory system as well as well-trained journalists,” said Ribeiro, recalling that in times of deep transformation of media landscape, it is of importance to develop sound policies in order to have financially sustainable media business models.
In her meetings, the Representative discussed the legal framework for media, the safety of journalists, self-regulation of media as well as media sustainability and its importance for free and independent media.
During her visit, Ribeiro met with Mr. Uchral Nyam-Osor, Minister for Digital Development and Communications, Mr. Nyambaatar Khishgee, Minister for Justice and Internal Affairs, Ms. Nomin Chinbat, Minister for Culture, Mr. Tsogtbaatar Damdin, Member of State Great Khural, Head of the Mongolian delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Tsogtgerel Odon, Member of State Great Khural, Mr. Khunan Jargalsaikhan, Chief Commissioner, National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia, Ms. Mandkhai, Mr. Ankhbayar Nyamdorj, State Secretary, and Acting Director-General for Department of Multilateral Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In addition, she met with former President of Mongolia Mr. Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj.
The Representative also met with journalists’ organizations, as well as media rights advocates. Among them Mr. U. Otgonbaatar, President of the Confederation of Mongolian Journalists, Ms. Narantuya Dangaasuren, consultant to the Media Council of Mongolia, and Mr. Sharavdorj Sampil, Deputy Head of Board of Directors, the Mongolian Media Council
“I am looking forward to continuing the very fruitful co-operation that my Office enjoys with the authorities and other stakeholders from Mongolia on various levels, including the Central Asia Media conferences and other regional projects, “said Ribeiro, expressing her readiness to assist the country on any media related issue, in line with her mandate.