INDEPENDENT MEDIA

Media for Transparent Governance

Editors session -4

Editors' task force meeting was held on 22 November 2004 and involved 15 participants. The following guests spoke on themes:

1. Results of corruption perception survey, D.Ganhuyag, independent researcher,
2. Social Integrity System, D. Zumberellham, National Legal Center,
3. Nature of Corruption, S. Bayaraa, ZORIG Foundation

D.Ganhuag:

500 00 people out of total 2.5 mln. inhabitants of Mongolia are considered to be most active but most of them have relations:

1. Provincial relationship (People usually come from the same province, where they born)
2. Relatives and family relationship
3. Professional relationship (People studied together at schools or universities)
4. Business relationship.

Survey

D,Zumberellham

Mongolians speak about corruption for many years unfortunately, the society is getting adapted to the term. Adoption of Anti-corruption law in 1996 and National Anti-corruption Programme gives the public understanding that Government is committed to fight corruption. When record on corruption expose as crime, the statistics are low so people think there are no serious cases. Indeed, it is not. Parliament, Executive power and the Courts must be committed to fight and it can be done in 3 ways:

1. Legal environment must be favorable
2. The public must be educated
3. Media must be powerful

Media should focus on such issues as finance of political parties, election financing, appointments to the high positions and license and tender issues.

S.Bayaraa:

Corruption is considered as abuse of power. It is said absolute power absolutely corrupts. People justify that state officials get low salaries so they get corrupted. It is not true. It is proved that salary may be one of the factors. In Mongolia single MP gets 500 000 MNT and its was 200 000 MNT but we do not see that they get more ethical so greed is one of the human's nature. There should be a complex of measures to fight corruption.

Discussions:

- Journalists should be specialized otherwise the public criticize them how you will expose corruption if you do not know details in your coverage

- Officials say their organization is open to the public and when ask more detailed questions they refuse to answer

- Self-censorship is high. Journalists are afraid from police and the Courts

It is agreed:
- invite one of the judges and informed on Criminal law.
- provide more information on access to information: Constitutional guarantee and international standards

Name of participants

Name Position
1. D.Ganhuyag Researcher
2. D.Zumberellham National Legal Center
3. D.Munkhjargal Mongolian National TV
4. B.Munkhtuya “Unen” newspaper
5. B.Otgonchimeg Deedsiin hureelen newspaper
6. O.Namchin Zuuny medee newspaper
7. G.Munkhnasan Mongolian National Radio
8. M.Byambasuren Channel-25 TV
9. H.Naranjargal Globe International
10. S.Bayaraa Zorig foundation
11. B.Batbyamba Zorig foundation
12. D.Munkhburen Globe International
13. Otgondavaa Deedsiin hureelen newspaper
14. D.Damdinjav Odriin sonin
15. B.Enkhzaya Mongoliin medee newspaper
16. Sh.Batkhishig Mongol Times newspaper
17. J.Tuul Globe International