The Asia Foundation

This survey on “Community-Oriented Policing” was conducted in Mongolia between March and April 2008. The report consists of two main parts: one is an analysis of questionnaires administered to law enforcement offi cials, and the...

This survey on “Community-Oriented Policing” was conducted in Mongolia between March and April 2008. The report consists of two main parts: one is an analysis of questionnaires administered to law enforcement offi cials, and the other to community and civil society representatives; the second is a narrative report based on information gathered from interviews, participant observation and general observation that enhanced the questionnaire data. The latter part of the report is a summation of the analysis and provides discussion related to the nature of the relationship between the police and the community in survey sites.

Mongolian Version: This survey on “Community-Oriented Policing” was conducted in Mongolia between March and April 2008. The report consists of two main parts: one is an analysis of questionnaires administered to law...

Mongolian Version: This survey on “Community-Oriented Policing” was conducted in Mongolia between March and April 2008. The report consists of two main parts: one is an analysis of questionnaires administered to law enforcement offi cials, and the other to community and civil society representatives; the second is a narrative report based on information gathered from interviews, participant observation and general observation that enhanced the questionnaire data. The latter part of the report is a summation of the analysis and provides discussion related to the nature of the relationship between the police and the community in survey sites.

The Asia Foundation deployed 17 two-person teams to observe the parliamentary election. Other international observation efforts included a total of 26 teams deployed by locally based embassies and international non-governmental organizations,...

The Asia Foundation deployed 17 two-person teams to observe the parliamentary election. Other international observation efforts included a total of 26 teams deployed by locally based embassies and international non-governmental organizations, and 9 teams from overseas deployed under the aegis of the Asia-Pacific Democracy Partnership.

In March 2008 the fifth semi-annual corruption benchmarking survey was completed. The purpose of the survey is to better understand the scope and incidence of corruption at the household level in Mongolia. Findings and conclusions serve to...

In March 2008 the fifth semi-annual corruption benchmarking survey was completed. The purpose of the survey is to better understand the scope and incidence of corruption at the household level in Mongolia. Findings and conclusions serve to benchmark changes in experience, attitudes and perceptions over an extended period of time, and thereby contribute to better-informed policy-making, and the refinement of interventions and activities that inform and engage citizens as active participants in the effort to combat corruption in Mongolia.

(In Mongolian) In March 2008 the fifth semi-annual corruption benchmarking survey was completed. The purpose of the survey is to better understand the scope and incidence of corruption at the household level in Mongolia.  Findings and...

(In Mongolian) In March 2008 the fifth semi-annual corruption benchmarking survey was completed. The purpose of the survey is to better understand the scope and incidence of corruption at the household level in Mongolia.  Findings and conclusions serve to benchmark changes in experience, attitudes and perceptions over an extended period of time, and thereby contribute to better-informed policy-making, and the refinement of interventions and activities that inform and engage citizens as active participants in the effort to combat corruption in Mongolia.

In Mongolian-

Everyday across Asia men, women, and children are deceived, lured across borders and exploited. Mongolia is not immune to this crime. Cases have been recorded, but the scope and number of Mongolian victims is unknown. A...

In Mongolian-

Everyday across Asia men, women, and children are deceived, lured across borders and exploited. Mongolia is not immune to this crime. Cases have been recorded, but the scope and number of Mongolian victims is unknown. A partnership between government, civil society organizations and law enforcement officials is forming to prevent and prosecute trafficking, and to protect victims. On April 26 and 27, The Asia Foundation and USAID’s regional trafficking advisor organized a seminar to strengthen the capacity of government, civil society and police to counter trafficking, and improve prevention, protection and prosecution under Mongolian and international law.

comprising lawyers, political scientists and leading academics formed and began developing an Anti-Corruption Curriculum for the National Law School, and for the Management Academy which trains most of Mongolia’s civil servants. The...

comprising lawyers, political scientists and leading academics formed and began developing an Anti-Corruption Curriculum for the National Law School, and for the Management Academy which trains most of Mongolia’s civil servants. The group met actively through the fall and early winter, and on March 21st U.S. Ambassador Mark Minton participated in a ceremony that officially launched the new curriculum for the spring semester which is soon-to-start. The Deans of each of the institutions delivered presentations in which they pledged their support for an important initiative that will inform and influence the behavior of future Mongolian leaders.

The Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, established in 1999. The association’s main activities are to train single-parent women-headed households to grow and sell organic...

The Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, established in 1999. The association’s main activities are to train single-parent women-headed households to grow and sell organic vegetables and poultry, and thereby increase their income.

In 2006 and 2007, The Asia Foundation (TAF) provided grants to the MWFA as part of its program promoting economic development and fighting against domestic violence. This report is an evaluation and assessment of the benefits and impacts of the project. 

The Asia Foundation supported the establishment and construction of the first women’s shelter in the Lao PDR—opening in January 2006—to serve the needs of victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. The establishment...

The Asia Foundation supported the establishment and construction of the first women’s shelter in the Lao PDR—opening in January 2006—to serve the needs of victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. The establishment of the shelter, a direct result of growing awareness of these problems in Laos and the passage of the 2004 Development and Protection of Women Act, was made possible by the dedicated work of the Lao Women’s Union (LWU), which has been supported by the Foundation for more than a decade.

Mongolian version

The Asia Foundation supported the establishment and construction of the first women’s shelter in the Lao PDR—opening in January 2006—to serve the needs of victims of human trafficking and domestic...

Mongolian version

The Asia Foundation supported the establishment and construction of the first women’s shelter in the Lao PDR—opening in January 2006—to serve the needs of victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. The establishment of the shelter, a direct result of growing awareness of these problems in Laos and the passage of the 2004 Development and Protection of Women Act, was made possible by the dedicated work of the Lao Women’s Union (LWU), which has been supported by the Foundation for more than a decade.

Mongolia’s wealth of metals and minerals has the potential to contribute to the nation’s long term economic growth and prosperity, and to sustain communities and important cultural and social values. However, unchecked mine...

Mongolia’s wealth of metals and minerals has the potential to contribute to the nation’s long term economic growth and prosperity, and to sustain communities and important cultural and social values. However, unchecked mine development can squander this potential. How can Mongolia use its natural wealth to expand its economy while also growing healthy communities? One answer is through a multi-stakeholder process involving public, private and non-governmental interests that promotes Responsible Mining.

CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT PROVES EFFECTIVE IN PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE MINING Uguumur township in Toson Zaamar, the northwest corner of Tov province, hums with mining activity from dusk to dawn. Mining affects nearly everyone’s life in this...

CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT PROVES EFFECTIVE IN PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE MINING Uguumur township in Toson Zaamar, the northwest corner of Tov province, hums with mining activity from dusk to dawn. Mining affects nearly everyone’s life in this township, given that 80 percent of the 8,300 hectares of the territory has been licensed for exploration or extraction. In this village of about 3,300 people, 18 companies mainly owned by Mongolian, Russian and Chinese interests, actively mine placer gold deposits. This includes five major operations along the banks of the Tuul River, which is a shared water source for mining, town residents, and herders who depend upon the Tuul for watering their livestock.

Declaration for Responsible Mining Signed Members of government, mining companies, and civil society have formally committed to working on the implementation of responsible mining through signing a Declaration for Responsible Mining. The...

Declaration for Responsible Mining Signed Members of government, mining companies, and civil society have formally committed to working on the implementation of responsible mining through signing a Declaration for Responsible Mining. The Multi-Stakeholder Process for Responsible Mining held their fifth meeting on June 12, 2007, which was attended by 54 participants including six Members of Parliament. During this meeting. Sanjmyatav, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Environmental Standing Committee was introduced as the new co-chair, and the declaration was signed by 39 members of the group. The declaration remains open to additional signatories and parties wishing to commit to the implementation of responsible mining. This is particularly significant for Mongolia because minerals form an important economic sector representing an estimated 60% of exports in 2005, 17% of GDP growth in 2005, and 53% of foreign direct investment from 2000 to 2006 (World Bank).

On June 4th President Enkhbayar opened the National Forum to Combat Corruption at the Government House, and proclaimed the government’s will to lead this effort. The event was attended by senior-ranking government officials and served...

On June 4th President Enkhbayar opened the National Forum to Combat Corruption at the Government House, and proclaimed the government’s will to lead this effort. The event was attended by senior-ranking government officials and served evidence of governmental will to fight corruption and restore pride and integrity in the public and private sectors. “Fighting corruption begins at the top,” according to Mr. Tony Kwok, Honorary Advisor to the Anti-Corruption Agency, and an Asia Foundation advisor.

An estimated 600,000-800,000 women, and children are trafficked across international borders each year, approximately 80 percent are young women and girls, and up to 50 percent are minors. Everyday across Asia men, women, and children are...

An estimated 600,000-800,000 women, and children are trafficked across international borders each year, approximately 80 percent are young women and girls, and up to 50 percent are minors. Everyday across Asia men, women, and children are deceived, lured across borders and exploited. Mongolia is not immune to this crime. The Asia Foundation and its newest partner, the 55,000 member strong, Mongolian Students’ Union (MSU) launched a major campaign to prevent trafficking in May.

Over the U.S. Memorial Day weekend, the Securing Our Future (SOF) Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) team traveled to Uvurkhangai Aimag, and sampled the Orhon River from points 33 km south of Kharkhorin, and continuing north with the flow to Ugii...

Over the U.S. Memorial Day weekend, the Securing Our Future (SOF) Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) team traveled to Uvurkhangai Aimag, and sampled the Orhon River from points 33 km south of Kharkhorin, and continuing north with the flow to Ugii Nuur. The team comprised Tamir who came to the Foundation from a multi-year stint with the Hovsgol GEF project which established the Long-term Ecological Research site on the eastern shores of Lake Khuvsgul. As the team’s water chemist, she will collect valuable data on dissolved minerals, trace metals, and other organic and in-organic elements using state-of-the art technology, including a photo-spectrometer. This chemical data will be correlated with biologic data gathered by National University PhD student Narangarvuu.

EXPERIENTIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GETS ROLLING IN KHENTII In late April the “Securing Our Future” (SOF) program team traveled to Khentii aimag to identify partner schools and communities for the Water Quality Monitoring...

EXPERIENTIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GETS ROLLING IN KHENTII In late April the “Securing Our Future” (SOF) program team traveled to Khentii aimag to identify partner schools and communities for the Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) program. Five soums were selected, including: Norovlin, Dadal, Bayan-Adarga, Binder and Batshireet. Selection of these five sets the stage for the WQM program to rollout over the summer in Khentii, Khuvsgul, Bayankhongor and other aimags. This activity will engage secondary school faculty and students in experiential education that will improve their knowledge of ecology, biology and basic water chemistry.

Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) got started in late April when a mild winter and a warm spring caused rivers to thaw earlier than expected. The WQM component is an integral part of the Securing Our Future (SOF) program that will inform, engage...

Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) got started in late April when a mild winter and a warm spring caused rivers to thaw earlier than expected. The WQM component is an integral part of the Securing Our Future (SOF) program that will inform, engage and empower Mongolians to monitor water quality in order to promote responsible resource use. The WQM effort will also help to build a comprehensive river inventory that will inform water-use policy and resource management practices in Mongolia.

The study is a longitudinal survey using multilevel randomization. It is designed to measure both changes in public attitudes and country-specific indicators that are comparable across countries. Some of the survey components were modeled on...

The study is a longitudinal survey using multilevel randomization. It is designed to measure both changes in public attitudes and country-specific indicators that are comparable across countries. Some of the survey components were modeled on the Transparency International Global Corruption Barometer (GCB), and measure personal experience with corruption, in addition to perceptions. This third survey was conducted in March 2007 and comprised 600 respondents in Ulaanbaatar, Selenge, Sukhbaatar, Uvurkhangai and Uvs aimags.

Mongolian version

The study is a longitudinal survey using multilevel randomization. It is designed to measure both changes in public attitudes and country-specific indicators that are comparable across countries. Some of the survey...

Mongolian version

The study is a longitudinal survey using multilevel randomization. It is designed to measure both changes in public attitudes and country-specific indicators that are comparable across countries. Some of the survey components were modeled on the Transparency International Global Corruption Barometer (GCB), and measure personal experience with corruption, in addition to perceptions. This third survey was conducted in March 2007 and comprised 600 respondents in Ulaanbaatar, Selenge, Sukhbaatar, Uvurkhangai and Uvs aimags.

51 Signatories agree to a Definition of Responsible Mining that will advance national objectives for the benefit of all Mongolians On April 4th, 51 signatories representing the public, private and non-governmental sectors met at the fourth...

51 Signatories agree to a Definition of Responsible Mining that will advance national objectives for the benefit of all Mongolians On April 4th, 51 signatories representing the public, private and non-governmental sectors met at the fourth Multi-stakeholder meeting and pledged support for a definition of Responsible Mining and eight underlying principles. The definition and principles establish a foundation for future collaboration and cooperation that engages diverse interests in a process that will advance national objectives. The process by which the definition and principles were developed was spearheaded by a working group comprising government, private and non-governmental sector representatives that began meeting in late 2006 following the first of the Multi-stakeholder meetings.              

Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition and the Onon Ulz River Movement Work to Engage Khentii Citizens in Resource Management Decisions Affecting their Communities and Lives Close to the Russian border in central Mongolia, Batshireet Soum...

Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition and the Onon Ulz River Movement Work to Engage Khentii Citizens in Resource Management Decisions Affecting their Communities and Lives Close to the Russian border in central Mongolia, Batshireet Soum citizens gathered on March 16th and 17th with peers from nearby Binder and Bayan Adraga soums to discuss tools and tactics that will engage citizens in natural resources decision-making. “People are our most important asset” agreed the 30 participants in the two-day workshop. This is also the land through which the Onon River flows, and where Chinggis Khan is reputed to have been born in the late 1100s.

Toson Zaamar Movement and Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition Organize Citizens to Focus on Responsible Mining Citizens in Mongolia’s Zaamar soum made local history on March 17th when more than 100 individuals attended the first...

Toson Zaamar Movement and Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition Organize Citizens to Focus on Responsible Mining Citizens in Mongolia’s Zaamar soum made local history on March 17th when more than 100 individuals attended the first citizen-convened gathering in recent history. Representatives from the Toson Zaamar River Movement in north central Tov Aimag organized town hall meetings and other events during the course of the week to engage residents and government decision-makers on issues related to responsible mining, to learn more about these issues, and to develop strategies for community improvement.

With support from The Asia Foundation six delegates of the newly established Mongolia Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) visited Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and Macau's Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) from...

With support from The Asia Foundation six delegates of the newly established Mongolia Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) visited Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and Macau's Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) from March2 26 to March 30, 2007.

On March 21st “The Pulse” premiered on C1 television with host Gerelt-Od as moderator. In conjunction with C1 TV, the Mongolia Anti-corruption Support Project will broadcast weekly updates based upon information recruited from the...

On March 21st “The Pulse” premiered on C1 television with host Gerelt-Od as moderator. In conjunction with C1 TV, the Mongolia Anti-corruption Support Project will broadcast weekly updates based upon information recruited from the 10 telephone hotlines that have been established in aimag centers and in Ulaanbaatar.

On March 26-28, 2007 the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs, the Asia Foundation and the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), with support from USAID and the U.S. Department of State, organized a national forum on the “Palermo...

On March 26-28, 2007 the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs, the Asia Foundation and the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), with support from USAID and the U.S. Department of State, organized a national forum on the “Palermo Convention and Domestic Legislation” for government, law enforcement, NGOs and international organizations. More than 150 people participated in the three-day conference, the purpose of which was to combat trafficking in persons by building support for ratification of the Palermo Protocol and amendments of the Criminal and Criminal Procedures codes during the spring session of parliament.

Toson Zaamar Movement and Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition Organize Citizens to Focus on Responsible Mining Citizens in Mongolia’s Zaamar soum made local history on March 17th when more than 100 individuals attended the first...

Toson Zaamar Movement and Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition Organize Citizens to Focus on Responsible Mining Citizens in Mongolia’s Zaamar soum made local history on March 17th when more than 100 individuals attended the first citizen-convened gathering in recent history. Representatives from the Toson Zaamar River Movement in north central Tov Aimag organized town hall meetings and other events during the course of the week to engage residents and government decision-makers on issues related to responsible mining, to learn more about these issues, and to develop strategies for community improvement.

The recent TAF/GEC survey confirmed that a growing number of low-income or unemployed girls between 19 – 35 years old are the most vulnerable to human trafficking. Vulnerability is defined as a desire to work or study abroad, combined...

The recent TAF/GEC survey confirmed that a growing number of low-income or unemployed girls between 19 – 35 years old are the most vulnerable to human trafficking. Vulnerability is defined as a desire to work or study abroad, combined with a low standard of living and willingness to accept offers of work and study from individuals.

The Asia Foundation hosted Mr. Tony Kwok, an international anti-corruption expert with over 30 years of experience at Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Kwok, who served as Deputy Commissioner of the ICAC, the...

The Asia Foundation hosted Mr. Tony Kwok, an international anti-corruption expert with over 30 years of experience at Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Kwok, who served as Deputy Commissioner of the ICAC, the Commission’s highest ranking civil service position, for six years before retiring in 2002, provided technical assistance to the newly-established Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) from February 3-10. Over the course of the week, Mr. Kwok met intensively with ACA Head, Mr. Dangaasuren, his deputy, Mr. Sunduisuren, and the growing ACA staff.

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort is intended to reduce...

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort is intended to reduce poverty, inspire micro-entrepreneurship, build stronger communities and neighbourhoods, and discourage social ills such as alcoholism, and domestic violence against women and children.