As the appeal hearing for Mongolian journalist Unurtsetseg Naran — sentenced to prison earlier this year — approaches, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is sounding the alarm about a concerning lack of transparency in these legal proceedings. The hearing, which will take place behind closed doors, sets a dangerous precedent that could pave the way for a wider crackdown on press freedom in Mongolia.

On 5 November, Chief Judge of the Capital City Court of Criminal Appeals announced that the entire appeal trial of Unurtsetseg Naran, editor-in-chief of the news website Zarig.mn, scheduled for 7 November, will be held behind closed doors.

The journalist was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in prison in July after a closed-door trial held at the Criminal Court of First Instance of Sukhbaatar District in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar. Unurtsetseg was found guilty of five charges: “tax evasion”, “disclosure of personal information”, “illegal acquisition of state secrets”, “money laundering”, and “spreading false information”. While the court stated that its decision to hold the trial behind closed doors was based on the grounds of national security and protecting the sensitive information of a minor, its complete gag on disclosing any information about the proceedings is a worrying sign.

The initial proceedings were widely criticised by civil society groups in Mongolia, who pointed out that, despite the serious nature of the charges brought against this journalist, the court had conducted the trial behind closed doors. A joint statement by Mongolian press freedom NGOs declared that the decision goes against the principle of an open, transparent court, and could potentially result in “unpredictability of the media industry’s process, intimidation, and foster self-censorship among journalists.”

“By sentencing a reporter to nearly five years in prison mainly on national security charges after a closed-door trial — and providing no information on the evidence produced — the Criminal Court of First Instance of Sukhbaatar District created a dangerous and concerning precedent that could deter Mongolian journalists from investigating topics of public interest. We urge the Capital City Court of Criminal Appeals, which will revisit the case, to ensure transparency and open as much of the trial as possible to the public.

Cédric Alviani

RSF’s Asia-Pacific Bureau Director

Unurtsetseg Naran is well-known for her investigations exposing the corruption and money laundering of high-ranking Mongolian officials, work that previously led to at least 16 defamation charges against her, according to RSF’s information. In this ongoing case, she was first investigated for “spreading false information” following her social media posts criticising the Mongolian judicial system, then later charged with more serious offences. She was arrested in December 2023, detained for over two months, and then placed under house arrest before being sent to jail.

Press freedom has recently deteriorated in Mongolia, despite the government's claims that it is committed to democratic values. In May 2024, journalist Bayarmaa Ayurzana was arrested, detained and subsequently charged in connection with investigations into alleged misconduct by the country’s former deputy prime minister, who is now a member of parliament.

Mongolia, ranked 109th out of 180 territories in RSF’s 2024 World Press Freedom Index, has plummeted down 36 places since 2020. The press freedom situation is considered “difficult” due to frequent abusive legal proceedings against journalists, the concentration of media ownership, and growing political pressure and corruption among political elites that impact the media.

As Mongolia faces frequent dzud—an extreme winter condition that devastates livestock and livelihoods—herder families and their children are increasingly vulnerable. The harsh conditions often force herders to focus on immediate survival, leaving children at risk of neglect and without support. We work in remote Mongolian districts to safeguard the well-being of Mongolian children during challenging winters.

According to the UNDRR, climate change and environmental degradation are leading to increased violence against children and adverse effects on children's physical and mental health. In times of hardship, herder parents and caregivers often prioritise other emergency concerns, leading to a rise in child neglect. We are addressing the educational, health, and child protection needs of herder families affected by the dzud (severe winter conditions) in the remote areas of Bayan-Ölgii and Khovd provinces in western Mongolia. The local Children's and Family Development and Protection Offices of these provinces were entrusted with delivering the project services. As a result, multi-disciplinary child protection teams from 18 selected soums (districts) were trained and delivered child protection services.

"One of our three children has cerebral palsy," says Mrs. Jamiya from Bayan-Ulgii. "Because of his health, we prefer to live near the hospital in the soum (district) centre. While my husband stays with our livestock in the countryside, I stay at home, looking after the children and raising cattle. We received a visit from a child protection team last summer; they assessed our situation and gave advice; we ceased leaving our young children at home unsupervised. Now, we ask for help from relatives when needed. There are no services or facilities in our soum for children with disabilities, which makes things very difficult."

Our teams visited 270 remote herder households, conducting child protection risk assessments and providing on-site guidance and resources to over 800 children and parents. We also visited dormitories in the 18 participating soum schools to guide dormitory staff, principals, and social workers on ensuring a safe study environment for children. Recognising the needs of these remote communities, we also distributed educational supplies, nutritional supplements, and books to support the development of nearly 3,400 children living in dormitories and herder households. Acknowledging the financial burdens faced by these families, the project also provided one-time cash assistance to the 270 herder households to help meet their children's educational and health needs.

"I learned that it's important to communicate properly with children and maintain a warm and positive family atmosphere," says Mrs. G.Saruulzaya, a herder from Khovd province.

The pace of climate change in Mongolia is accelerating; the average temperature has increased by 2.1°C over the last 80 years. This is twice as fast as the global average, and it is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of the country's devastating dzud events. According to the National Statistics Office, last year's dzud resulted in the loss of 8.1 million livestock animals across the country, further intensifying the child protection challenges faced by vulnerable herders. Recognising the gravity of this issue, other international organisations and the Mongolian government have also taken proactive steps. In addition to the adoption of the "Child Protection During Disasters and Emergencies MNS 6948:2021" national standard, which ensures that child protection is addressed at all levels during disasters, the revised Child Protection Law, approved earlier this year, also includes provisions addressing this issue.

"We used the money to buy clothes, school uniforms, and other supplies for our three daughters," says Mr. D.Byambadorj, a herder from Khovd province

Over the past 10 years, around 700 children have lost their lives in natural disasters and related accidents and domestic incidents across Mongolia. This is largely due to a lack of parental supervision, insufficient access to kindergartens and schools, and the absence of safe places for children to spend their free time, according to the National Emergency Management Agency. The "REACH- RESILIENCE, EDUCATION, AID FOR CHILDREN AND HERDER FAMILIES IN MONGOLIA AFFECTED BY DZUD" project findings shed light on these key risks facing children in herder households - the vulnerability of being left unsupervised while their parents tend to livestock or visit neighbours, children riding motorcycles, or being looked after by other children.

Notably, the project's child protection experts, who are typically accustomed to reacting to reported cases, have emphasised the project's unprecedented focus on proactive risk assessments for herder households. For the first time, dedicated resources and collaborative efforts have united provincial child and family protection specialists and soum-level teams to address these issues and safeguard the well-being of herder children.

"Every child involved in the project is very happy; this project is the first to include all the children in our dormitory." says Mrs. J.Alima

People in Need (PIN) implemented the "REACH" humanitarian aid project in Bayan-Ulgii and Khovd provinces with financial support from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Club of Friends of PIN.

"Thanks to the project, we were able to buy the things we needed and get clothes for our two daughters. Thank you for giving me such a beautiful ger, mongolian traditional yurt," says Mr. B.Kauarkhan.

Autor: Amarjargal Dagvadorj (Head of Programmes), Togtokhmaa Zagir (MEAL Manager), Purevbat Bolorchuluun (Communications Officer)

M bank, a pioneering Mongolian digital bank, is excited to announce a strategic collaboration with Visa, a global payment technology company. This partnership aims to enhance cross-border payment processes for businesses and consumers, making international transactions faster, more secure, convenient, and cost-effective.

In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, M bank strives to provide its customers with easier access to global markets and seamless payment experiences. By integrating Visa’s robust payment platform, M Bank will enhance its offerings by allowing users to send and receive funds internationally with ease at a more cost-effective rate.

This partnership enables M bank to offer a cross-border payment solution to its customers, supporting 35 different currencies across over 180 countries. This streamlined solution is expected to capture some percentage of inbound and outbound transaction volume in the first year generating new revenue streams and reducing operational costs.

Partnering with Visa will also enable M bank to set global interoperable standards and capabilities to deliver innovative new commerce experiences to customers. A global open system will bring consistency to the payment experience in an increasingly globally connected world.

“This partnership marks a significant step forward in improving the digital banking landscape in Mongolia, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth and connectivity with the global market,” remarked Temuulen Batmunkh, Acting CEO of M bank.

The government of Mongolia has officially launched a comprehensive energy reform aimed at achieving greater energy independence and sustainability. This initiative comes in response to the country’s reliance on imported energy, which currently accounts for 22 to 23 percent of total consumption at prices higher than those of neighboring countries. However, this initiative has sparked public outrage due to the planned increase in energy prices, which many citizens fear will further burden their households and businesses.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has conducted extensive research on electricity and heat pricing, presenting potential reforms during a briefing led by the commission’s Head E.Tuvshinchuluun on October 29. He outlined that the new pricing structure will consider the unique circumstances of Ulaanbaatar city, rural areas and various enterprises separately. He emphasized that the version presented is based on preliminary calculations and details of the final pricing reforms will be closely monitored, as they will significantly impact both consumers and businesses in Mongolia. ERC will announce its decisions regarding price and tariff increases on November 4.

Historically, energy tariffs in Mongolia have undergone 12 changes since the establishment of ERC in 2002. The last significant increase occurred in 2022, amidst the economic difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the household tariff remained unchanged during that period, enterprise rates were adjusted: a 14 percent increase for those consuming up to 5,000 kWh, a 28 percent rise for those exceeding that threshold, and a 38 percent hike for the mining sector.

Currently, the commission is looking to gradually increase tariffs without a consumption threshold for enterprises, aiming to bring energy prices in line with production costs. E.Tuvshinchuluun stated, “Our main goal is to align energy prices with production costs. We have not calculated any profit in this scenario.”

During a press briefing, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Subcommittee on Energy Sector Investments, Tariff Reforms and Mega Projects T.Dorjkhand emphasized the need for reform, stating, “There is insufficient energy to support the construction of factories and subways. Our goal is to provide 100 percent of our energy domestically, while still allowing for imports when necessary.” Despite the government’s intentions, the announcement of impending price hikes has led to widespread criticism.

The energy sector, which has been operational for 101 years, has faced significant challenges, including a consistent increase in demand and the need for additional capacity. Minister of Energy B.Choijilsuren pointed out that electricity consumption per capita in Mongolia is currently about half that of its neighbors. The introduction of new infrastructure, such as the Thermal Power Plant No. 2, is deemed critical for meeting future energy needs.

“The last price increase occurred in 2022, following the pandemic,” B.Choijilsuren explained. “Currently, electricity is produced at 285 MNT but supplied at just 216 MNT. This discrepancy has created financial and technical challenges in the industry.”

The government plans to bring energy prices closer to production costs, establishing a more transparent framework for energy companies. As part of this transparency initiative, energy firms will be required to operate as open joint-stock companies, subject to public scrutiny.

In addition, discussions are underway with Russia to develop a new source of 300 megawatts of electricity and 360 megawatts of heat at the Thermal Power Plant No. 3 facility. However, the high costs of this project remain a concern.

Deputy Prime Minister T.Dorjkhand stressed the importance of uniting across political lines to support this necessary reform. “Energy reform is not just about increasing electricity tariffs. It is a critical step toward reducing our dependence on imports and ensuring a stable energy supply for future development,” he said.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday met with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, who is in Shanghai to attend the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE).

Li said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and Mongolia have maintained sound, stable momentum in their bilateral relations in recent years. China values its friendly cooperation with Mongolia highly, and considers Mongolia a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, he noted.

He said that both sides should implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state to deepen practical cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples.

Li noted that China will synergize its development strategy with Mongolia further, step up trade and investment cooperation, and enhance cooperation on infrastructure construction in such areas as port connectivity, mining and hydropower stations.

The premier encouraged both sides to tap into the cooperation potential of emerging industries such as the high-tech and green development sectors, and support more capable Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Mongolia.

China will work with Mongolia and other Asian countries in the pursuit of peace, solidarity and cooperation, and enhance exchange and coordination within the frameworks of multilateral mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Oyun-Erdene said that Mongolia abides firmly by the one-China policy, and is willing to maintain mutual respect and support on issues bearing on each other's core interests.

Mongolia stands ready to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China in such areas as energy, urban planning and desertification control, and explore cooperation in new fields including artificial intelligence, green development and human resources, he said.

China said it is willing to strengthen cooperation in port connectivity, mineral development and infrastructure construction with Mongolia, Chinese official news agency Xinhua said.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, when meeting with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, said late on Tuesday that China would support more “qualified enterprises” to invest in Mongolia, and in return hopes for a stable and predictable business environment for Chinese firms.

(By Liz Lee and Shanghai newsroom; Editing by Leslie Adler)

Air Passengers rises 27% from previous year

In the initial 10 months of this year, a total of 125.3 million passengers were transported across all modes of transportation, including:

121.7 million by road

1.9 million by air

1.6 million by rail

Air passengers rose by 27% compared to the same period last year. And cargo transport also had growth, with 107 million tons moved by all modes from January to October 2024:

70.5 million tons by road

36.5 million tons by rail

8.5 thousand tons by air

Overall, cargo transport increased by 20.5% compared to last year, with road freight rising by 24.2% and rail by 14%.

Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has been awarded Mongolia’s State Supreme Decoration, the Order of Chinggis Khaan. In honoring Ban, Ulaanbaatar paid special recognition to his contribution in strengthening Mongolia’s democracy and its support for global peace and security.

On November 2, President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa presented the Order of Chinggis Khaan award to Ban in a special ceremony in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Ban’s award ceremony coincided with Mongolia’s National Pride Day, which celebrated the 862nd anniversary of Chinggis Khaan’s birth.

The Order of Chinggis Khaan is a supreme decoration and has only ever been awarded to one other foreign national, esteemed historian and author of multiple books on Mongolia’s history, Jack Weatherford.

In his remarks at the award ceremony, Khurelsukh said that Ban’s “dedication to world peace, human rights, freedom, justice and equality, [and] environmental protection has been instrumental in advancing green development policies and enhancing cooperation between Mongolia and the United Nations.”

In his acceptance speech, Ban expressed “immense honor and gratitude” for the award. He added, “While this is a recognition of personal achievement, more importantly, it is also a celebration of the rich history and enduring spirit of the Mongolian people,” before going on to praise the legacy of the award’s namesake.

“Chinggis Khaan, a name that resonates far beyond the borders of Mongolia, is a symbol of strength, vision, innovation, and unyielding determination,” Ban said. “Indeed, in a world that often feels divided, Chinggis Khaan’s ability to unite diverse peoples under a common vision serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, diversity, and understanding in harmony with strong leadership.”

The State Supreme Decoration symbolizes Mongolia’s recognition of Ban’s long support for the country’s democracy, as well as his dedication in supporting Mongolia’s missions within the United Nations, especially peacekeeping operations. Ulaanbaatar’s participation in the United Nations is key for the country to conduct its multi-pillared, peaceful foreign policy in a growing hostile environment.

Moreover, Mongolia’s efforts in promoting peace in the Korean Peninsula are close to Ban’s heart as a South Korean native.

Ban Ki-moon served as U.N. Secretary-General from 2007 to 2016, seeking to “mobilize world leaders around a set of new global challenges, from climate change and economic upheaval to pandemics and increasing pressures involving food, energy and water.”

Meanwhile, Mongolia’s international contributions to U.N. goals – including the Climate Change Summit of 2007, the Millennium Development Goals, U.N. Women, and the Sustainable Development Goals – have been a significant part of Mongolia’s democratic approach to development and enhancing Mongolia’s position on the world stage. Considering Ban’s almost decade-long stint as the U.N. leader, he had a role to play in Ulaanbaatar’s successful implementation of many of the U.N. agendas.

Moreover, during Ban’s time as U.N. secretary-general, he established relationships with previous three Mongolian presidents – Enkhbayar Nambar, Elbegdorj Tsakhia, and Battulga Ukhnaa – and visited Mongolia in 2009 and 2019.

In 2009, Ban made a special visit to the Five Hills Peacekeeping Training Center and met with Mongolian peacekeepers who were preparing to deploy to Africa. He thanked the Mongolian leaders for their participation.

Even after leaving the secretary-general role, Ban remained an important figure in Mongolia’s relations with the United Nations, security matters in the Korean Peninsula, as well as Mongolia-South Korea relations. In 2021, Ulaanbaatar and Seoul became strategic partners. In 2023, Ban attended the Trans-Altai Stability Dialogue on Gender Equality and Sustainable Development in Ulaanbaatar.

Mongolia is overcoming the challenges stemming from its landlocked position through relationship building. Having strong relationships with global leaders like Ban is viewed as a positive for Mongolia’s foreign policy.

The decision to award the Order of Chinggis Khaan to someone so active in supporting Mongolia’s transition to a thriving democracy with strong participation in global affairs sends a message about the country’s direction. As a nation, Mongolia is looking to the future and understands how being an active member of the global community can help meet its future challenges. Likewise, Ban’s remarks at the award ceremony portrayed a Mongolia ready to expand its diplomatic influence to promote its values of democracy and peace.

BY Bolor Lkhaajav

Bolor Lkhaajav is a researcher specializing in Mongolia, China, Russia, Japan, East Asia, and the Americas. She holds an M.A. in Asia-Pacific Studies from the University of San Francisco.