UNESCO Supports Media Freedom Law Reform in Mongolia

Mongolia is undertaking a significant review of its laws governing media freedom, with support from UNESCO. This reform process is critical as media environments worldwide face evolving challenges, including misinformation and threats to journalists. UNESCO's involvement typically includes sharing best practices from other countries, facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations (involving government, media organizations, civil society, and legal experts), and providing technical input on draft legislation.

The goal is to create laws that better protect journalists from harassment or undue legal pressure, ensure fair access to information held by public bodies, and potentially address issues like media ownership concentration or the decriminalization of defamation. Strengthening these legal pillars contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), particularly target 16.10 concerning public access to information and fundamental freedoms.

UNESCO promotes freedom of expression and media development globally, providing expertise, setting standards, and supporting member states in developing media-friendly legal frameworks.

Modernizing media laws helps protect journalists, ensures the public has access to diverse information, and strengthens democratic governance by holding power accountable.

This primarily affects journalists, media outlets, government bodies, legal professionals, and ultimately, all citizens of Mongolia who rely on the media for information.

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