Mongolia News Summary for July 26, 2024
The following news articles are the opinions of their authors and publications. They are presented here as translations for informational purposes and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Mongolia Strategy Center or its members.
Today's Stories
Politics
Economy
Diplomacy
- Ambassador of Lao PDR to Mongolia Received in Farewell Meeting
- Countries with the "Most Powerful" Passports Allowing Visa-Free Travel to the Most Countries
Infrastructure
- J. Batsuuri: Construction of the circular city will begin this fall
- TODAY: Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing to Meet with NGO Leaders
- Announcement: Temporary Changes in Five Routes Due to Road Repairs
- Top projects selected in international competition for "New Kharkhorin" city Master Plan to be presented
- Changes to be Made in 23 Bus Routes
- Road from Urgoo Cinema to National Center for Maternal and Child Health to be closed
- Minister J. Batsuuri is meeting with construction sector representatives
- 260-Apartment Housing Project Being Implemented in Bayanhoshuu
Society
- Opinion: Detaining a Person Not Proven Guilty is Torture
- Police officer sentenced to 12 years for abusing a minor
- DORNOGOBI: The 100th anniversary celebration of Urgen soum, the cradle of the brave of the Great Gobi, begins
- SELENGE: Zuunburen soum celebrates its 100th anniversary
- "The Police Violated the Law by Disclosing the Deceased's Personal Information Without Permission"
- Prosecutor resolves issue of releasing 14 seriously ill people from sentences in accordance with the law
- Investigating a Citizen for Driving Under the Influence
- Police officer sentenced to 12 years in prison for raping a minor
- Three citizens drown while swimming in Lake Khövsgöl
Environment
Innovation
Health
- Improving Prenatal Care Services
- 314,000 People Enrolled in Health Insurance in the First Half of the Year
Arts
Politics
T. Purevkhatan Becomes Advisor to the Minister of Urban Development
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
T. Purevkhatan, Deputy Chairman of the Democratic Party, has become an advisor to J. Batsuuri, the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing. Minister J. Batsuuri has stated that T. Purevkhatan, who is an engineer and lawyer by profession, has previously worked in the field of construction geodesy and cartography, and thus understands this sector well.
T. Purevkhatan, who has now become the minister's advisor, has previously worked in the following positions:
- 2002-2008: At the Governor's Office of Bayangol District
- 2008-2012: As a specialist at the Governor's Office of Bayanzurkh District
- 2012-2014: At the Capital City Property Relations Department
- 2014-2015: As a senior specialist at the Mineral Resources Authority
- 2015-2017: As head of the Legal Department at the Energy Regulatory Commission
- Since 2017: As the head of the Khentii Province Democratic Women's Association
He ran as a candidate for the Democratic Party in the sixth constituency, which includes Khentii, Dornod, and Sukhbaatar provinces, in the 2024 parliamentary elections but was defeated.
Economy
Oyu Tolgoi Company Workers Protest
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
Employees of the Oyu Tolgoi company held a peaceful protest today in Sukhbaatar Square to oppose violations of their labor rights.
The company has about 4,000 permanent employees who work 14 days on and 14 days off. On December 31, 2021, the CEO of Oyu Tolgoi issued an order stating that overtime pay would be calculated for work beyond 168 hours, and working less than 168 hours would be considered compensated by the 14 days off. As a result, the company no longer calculates overtime pay for hours worked beyond regular hours. This has led to a decrease in the salaries of the company's employees.
Over the past period, the company's employees have repeatedly demanded changes to this order, but it has not been accepted until today. Therefore, the representatives of the company's employees stated that they are organizing this peaceful demonstration today, asking employers to reconsider the issues raised in collective bargaining and make a positive decision.
The Oyu Tolgoi employees filed a complaint about not calculating overtime pay with the relevant legal authorities, and on May 28, 2024, the Supreme Court issued an explanation stating, "The order issued is inconsistent with the law. The issue of overtime should be regulated by collective bargaining." However, no action has been taken until today.
Also, on May 8 of this year, the company's employees went on strike. The company then took statements from employees on the grounds of participating in the strike, and made decisions not to hire new employees who were on probation based on the manager's assessment rather than their senior employee's evaluation, citing participation in the strike. The Trade Union for protecting the rights and interests of Oyu Tolgoi employees has also appealed to the National Human Rights Commission on this issue.
94 percent of the company's total workforce consists of Mongolian employees, while six percent are foreign workers. However, they said that the salary of just one foreign worker is equivalent to the salaries of 20-25 Mongolian workers.
Diplomacy
Ambassador of Lao PDR to Mongolia Received in Farewell Meeting
Published: Fri, 26 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
L. Munkhtushig, Acting State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received H.E. Mr. Phangsavath Keobounphanh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Mongolia, in connection with the completion of his diplomatic mission.
During the meeting, L. Munkhtushig emphasized that relations and cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, including Laos, play an important role in Mongolia's foreign policy towards the Asia-Pacific region. He highly appreciated Ambassador Phangsavath Keobounphanh's active initiative in deepening and strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Laos during his tenure in Mongolia, as well as his contribution to expanding cooperation in agriculture, education, health and other sectors, and establishing a legal framework for bilateral relations.
Ambassador Phangsavath Keobounphanh expressed his gratitude to the Mongolian government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their full support during his tenure in Mongolia. He noted that he would continue to pay attention to and contribute to strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the end of the meeting, Ambassador Phangsavath Keobounphanh was presented with the "Golden Gerege" of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a memento, and was wished great success in his future endeavors.
Countries with the "Most Powerful" Passports Allowing Visa-Free Travel to the Most Countries
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn
The London-based consulting firm Henley & Partners has been ranking the visa-free access of 227 countries' passports annually for the past 19 years.
For 2024, Singapore has been ranked as having the most powerful passport, allowing visa-free travel to the most countries. Citizens of Singapore can travel to 195 countries without a visa.
Singapore also topped this list last year. Following Singapore are Japan, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, which allow visa-free travel to 192 countries.
In third place are South Korea, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Ireland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, with access to 191 countries.
As for Mongolia, it ranks 76th with visa-free access to 64 countries.
The countries with the most powerful passports in 2024:
- Singapore (195 countries)
- France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain (192 countries)
- Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden (191 countries)
- Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom (190 countries)
- Australia, Portugal (189 countries)
- Greece, Poland (188 countries)
- Canada, Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta (187 countries)
- USA (186 countries)
- Estonia, Lithuania, UAE (185 countries)
- Iceland, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia (184 countries)
Source: CNN
Infrastructure
J. Batsuuri: Construction of the circular city will begin this fall
Published: Fri, 26 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
The Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing (MUDCH) has been newly established in the joint government. This ministry can be understood as the former Ministry of Construction, Urban Development and Public Utilities, said J. Batsuuri, Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, during a meeting with industry representatives, NGOs, and professional associations today.
He clarified that the new ministry will work with the goal of planning urban development, housing the cities being built, and providing infrastructure. He also said, "Construction is an industry with 100 years of history. It includes the constructions of generations. Now we are working with our industry NGOs and professional organizations and associations to perform some state functions. This includes everything from special permits to human resources and training issues."
He presented the urban development, construction, and housing policies and work to be done in the next 4 years. Our main policy is to improve the quality of life of citizens living in rural areas and soums and bring them as close as possible to those living in cities and urban areas. This will reduce traffic congestion, smog, frustration, corruption in government agencies, and centralization in the capital city. He emphasized that it can be implemented if the right policy is pursued.
He said that in the next 4 years, they plan to move the government out of Ulaanbaatar city. This will disperse the great force and movement that tends towards ministries, offices, and state administrative organizations.
Large bridge construction projects that have never been implemented in our country before are expected. He said they will build a tunnel connecting Bogd Mountain with Kuwait Valley through Zaisan Valley, and build a metro, RTI, high-speed railway in the capital, as well as build cities starting from Khoshig Valley around Ulaanbaatar, including New Zuunmod, Maidar city and Kharkhorin city, and also build state and local cities, and implement a policy to house them.
Therefore, we will not waste time waiting for next year's budget, but will solve the construction through budget adjustments that the new government will make soon. The construction of the circular city will begin this fall. He announced that they are starting their work with such a program.
For example, he said they will create a large circle to expand Ulaanbaatar city by building cities following the city, creating residential areas, infrastructure, and services from clean water in Khoshig Valley without necessarily bringing the flow of passengers landing there to the city.
Representatives and leaders from organizations such as the Urban Development, Information and Research Center, Mongolian Public Utilities Association, Unified Association of Mongolian Builders, Association of Mongolian Construction Contractors, Association of Mongolian Construction Engineers, and Union of Mongolian Architects participated in the meeting.
Representatives from the construction sector were saying that attention needs to be paid to the supply and quality of construction materials. They were also talking about clarifying the sector's functions and establishing an agency to centralize and implement activities starting from construction design.
TODAY: Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing to Meet with NGO Leaders
Published: Fri, 26 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
Overview of some events happening on Thursday, July 24:
At 09:00: At the Holiday Inn Hotel: Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing J. Batsuuri will meet with leaders of NGOs in the sector. Phone: 9923-9808.
At 09:00: At Sukhbaatar Square: 4,000 core employees of Oyu Tolgoi LLC and their 20,000 family members will rally for their rights and interests. They will provide a unified press statement at 11:00 regarding their protest for legally granted labor rights. Phone: 9900-4893, 9907-5182.
At 12:00: At "Az Khur" bookstore: The launch of the book "White" by Danaasurengiin Enkhtuya, who resides in Belgium.
Sports:
-In Nalaikh district: The Asia-Pacific Free Flight Model Aircraft Championship will be held.
Announcement: Temporary Changes in Five Routes Due to Road Repairs
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: eguur.mn
In connection with road expansion and renovation work, temporary changes have been made to five public transport routes.
Specifically, due to the closure of the roads in the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 22nd, and 34th khoroos of Bayangol district, and Khasbaatar Street from 23:00 on July 26, 2024, to 06:00 on July 29, 2024, for road expansion and renovation work, temporary changes have been made to five public transport routes.
During the road closure period, public transport vehicles will serve citizens according to the following diagram.
Top projects selected in international competition for "New Kharkhorin" city Master Plan to be presented
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
Advisors to the President on Economic Policy B. Davaadalai, Head of the Press and Information Office of the President's Administration O. Zolbayar, and Head of the Investment and Cooperation Department of the "New Kharkhorin" City Construction Administration G. Darkhanchulun provided information on the progress of the international open selection for developing the concept for the Master Plan of "New Kharkhorin" city.
President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh instructed the Government to rebuild the ancient capital Kharkhorin, issuing a decree on December 29, 2022, the 111th anniversary of the restoration of national freedom and independence.
Countries around the world organize international open competitions to determine the concept for their new city development master plans, in order to incorporate future development trends, urban planning experiences, innovative ideas and solutions.
Following this international standard, the Government of Mongolia issued Resolution No. 21 in 2024, announcing an international open selection to develop the concept for the "New Kharkhorin" city plan on March 18, 2024.
The registration for the international open selection was conducted from March 18, 2024 to April 15, 2024, and the first stage of selection took place until July 16, 2024.
A total of 428 teams from 54 countries registered for the selection, with 76 teams submitting their works. Of these, outstanding works from 36 teams from 18 countries qualified for the second stage.
The New Kharkhorin City Construction Administration announced that they are ready to present these works to the public and receive feedback. This includes:
Presenting and receiving public feedback online through the https://www.facebook.com/Kharkhorumcity page from July 25, 2024 to July 31, 2024.
Organizing an International Urban Planning Exhibition and receiving public feedback from July 28, 2024 to July 31, 2024.
Over 100 urban planners and leading architects representing the 36 teams that passed the second stage will participate in the International Urban Planning Exhibition, presenting their works through reports and presentations. The top five team projects will be finally selected on August 1, 2024.
The panel of judges for evaluating the participants' works was openly selected between April 22, 2024 and May 21, 2024, working in collaboration with leading urban planners and architects from countries such as the USA, South Korea, Poland, and Germany.
The President of Mongolia's decree "On Rebuilding the Ancient Capital Kharkhorin" aims to create conditions for citizens to live in a healthy and safe environment, increase access to basic social services, reduce population concentration, ensure balanced regional development, and strengthen the valuable heritage of statehood and revive history and culture.
In connection with the establishment of "New Kharkhorin" city, the Government resolution designated 189,000 hectares of land in the Orkhon Valley, located in Uvurkhangai and Arkhangai provinces, for special state use.
"New Kharkhorin" city is planned to be a smart city with concentrated state, administrative and international organizations, diplomatic missions of foreign countries, developed social services, healthcare, infrastructure, high-tech industries, housing, culture, arts, tourism, green spaces, and other services.
Changes to be Made in 23 Bus Routes
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
The Public Transport Policy Department has announced that temporary changes will be made to 23 public transport routes in connection with road expansion and renovation work. Specifically, the road in the territory of the 1st khoroo of Sukhbaatar district, Peace Avenue, and the south side of the Teachers' College will be closed from 06:00 on July 27 to 06:00 on July 29 due to expansion and renovation work. Therefore, temporary changes will be made to 23 public transport routes that use this road. These include,
Road from Urgoo Cinema to National Center for Maternal and Child Health to be closed
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
The road from the intersection north of Urgoo Cinema to the intersection of the National Center for Maternal and Child Health (NCMCH) in Bayangol district, Khasbaatar Street, will be closed for renovation from 23:00 on July 26 to 06:00 on July 29. The road will be paved with asphalt concrete, and the work will include adjusting manhole covers to the level of the asphalt concrete pavement, installing new drainage systems, replacing barriers, and adding road signs and markings.
Minister J. Batsuuri is meeting with construction sector representatives
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing J. Batsuuri is currently meeting with leaders of non-governmental organizations in the sector.
At the beginning of the meeting, he mentioned that he has been in office for nine days and emphasized that he was the one who first initiated and implemented re-planning in this sector, which was implemented by E. Bat-Uul when he was working as the Governor of Ulaanbaatar city.
However, representatives of the construction sector are saying, "Construction policy is not being implemented, and it's been 8 years since 2016 without the establishment of an agency. The Construction Development Center, an organization charged with implementing 15 construction policy functions, has gone off to do business. The first thing to do is to establish an agency to implement the policy. The ministry should take 4-5 state functions from the Construction Development Center into its core functions and structure. Either establish a separate agency or restructure the Construction Development Center.
Also, there are many companies that produce poor quality rebar. When their operations are stopped, they reopen after a while. It will be in a difficult situation when disaster strikes someday.
Companies that design construction projects are reaching the point of closing their doors."
260-Apartment Housing Project Being Implemented in Bayanhoshuu
Published: Fri, 26 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
A 260-apartment housing project is being implemented in Bayanhoshuu as part of efforts to reduce air and soil pollution in Ulaanbaatar city, convert ger districts into apartment housing, and create comfortable living conditions for citizens. The "Ulaanbaatar Housing Corporation" JSC is carrying out the green housing project with eight blocks in Songinohairhan district.
The project is being implemented according to the Bayanhoshuu sub-center plan. The framework casting of the first phase buildings has been completed, and the building foundations have been insulated with foam glass insulation. Construction work is currently 50% complete. The next phase of construction for four blocks with 150 green apartments has begun, according to information from the Capital City Governor's Office.
It's worth noting that "Happy Building", "City Landmark", "Sodon Nomin Construction", and "Tsamkhag Construction" LLC were selected as contractors for the building construction, while "San" LLC was chosen as the contractor for external engineering network works.
Society
Opinion: Detaining a Person Not Proven Guilty is Torture
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
The case of a 21-year-old man who allegedly died after being beaten by police officers is at the center of public attention. The Anti-Corruption Agency is investigating this case, and no information has been released to the public until today. Officials said this morning that they had not received permission from the prosecutor's office when they tried to clarify the case. Let's present the positions of the deceased's family, the General Police Department, and the lawyer regarding this case.
B. Batdelger, Colonel of Police, Head of the Deputy, Analysis and Evaluation, Inspection Department of the Investigation Department of the General Police Department:
The Investigation Department of the Anti-Corruption Agency is investigating in accordance with the legal basis and procedures whether human rights have been violated and whether harm has been caused to health. The police organization is conducting an official investigation into issues related to the officers of the first department of the Bayangol district police department in the capital. From this, we are investigating whether the officers have committed disciplinary and ethical violations. The officers are currently performing their official duties.
According to the complaints and information registered with the police, the deceased O had been wanted since November 2023. The deceased had previously been sentenced twice and had one misdemeanor measure taken against him.
He was being investigated in cases that were being jointly investigated with a total of seven suspects in 53 cases across the police organization. As of today, it has been determined that he was interrogated as a defendant in 10 cases.
One case was a crime of intentionally causing moderate harm to another's health as defined in the Criminal Code, while the other nine cases were theft crimes. Further details will be determined by the investigation. We cannot provide information on behalf of the Anti-Corruption Agency.
G. Ankhbayar, lawyer for the victim:
The deceased filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Agency about being tortured a month before being detained. He had previously given one statement to the Anti-Corruption Agency. Subsequently, as part of the identification process, my client was unable to attend when the investigator called him several times. It seems that the police were pressuring him. When filing a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Agency, he attached photos of his injuries, and an examination confirmed that he had been beaten. He was reportedly beaten by a total of eight officers. I cannot provide specific information as law enforcement agencies are investigating the case.
The police organization is giving explanatory information to protect their officers. The public is frustrated that they are not admitting their fault. It is unethical to attack the reputation of the deceased by releasing information.
When the deceased was brought unconscious from the prison to the hospital, he was handcuffed to the hospital bed, watched by two guards, and monitored by camera. This issue is more about human decency than law. Detaining a citizen who has not been found guilty by the court in the closed prison No. 461 is a form of torture.
Sister of the victim:
They are talking as if my brother was just a criminal who died while being detained in prison No. 461. However, he was being investigated in connection with a crime, meaning it had not been finalized by the court. I want to emphasize this. The case he was involved in was a minor crime that could have been investigated while he was free. Accordingly, the case was investigated, and the result came out yesterday (07/23/2024). But my brother died one hour before the court's decision was announced. My brother was not guilty in that case. He was investigated as a suspect because the person he was with stole a phone. Certain police officers from the first department of Bayangol district tortured him while taking his statement at the station. There were eight people in total. He hid from his family that he had been beaten and tortured by police officers. We found out about this 3-4 days later.
Subsequently, he filed a petition with the Anti-Corruption Agency. Six out of the eight officers mentioned in the petition have been identified.
Because of filing a petition with the Anti-Corruption Agency, my brother, who was a suspect, was detained for one month. During his detention, a police officer from the first department of Bayangol district called and harassed him over the phone. After the one-month period ended and he was released, he was still harassed through his supervisor. This also needs to be investigated. Due to this pressure and intimidation, he was too afraid to go to the Anti-Corruption Agency.
Police officer sentenced to 12 years for abusing a minor
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
A police officer has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for abusing a 13-year-old girl. The court hearing for this case took place today in a local area.
The 26-year-old defendant, who was a patrol officer and driver at the Selenge Province Police Department, was found guilty of repeatedly having sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old, 2-month, and 26-day-old minor at his home and in a vehicle. The prosecutor filed charges and brought the case to court.
The underage victim consistently testified during the investigation that she had "sexual intercourse with the defendant 4-5 times." However, in court, she stated that she "did not have sexual intercourse with the defendant."
The defendant chose not to testify in court, stating that he knows the victim girl and is exercising his right to remain silent. The defendant's lawyers argued that "...the victim girl is tall and mature-looking, so they didn't know she was 13 years old, thought she was 16, therefore please reduce the charge to having sexual intercourse with a person under 16 years old."
There is evidence in the case file that the underage victim ... went missing from home eight times, and the police conducted search operations each time, returning her to her family. When searching for the underage victim, all personal information including photos was shared with the police force through an internal digital database, so the defendant's claim that he didn't know she was 13 years old is unfounded.
The cause of this crime appears to be directly related to the victim's stepfather, lack of family supervision, previous victimization in a sexual assault crime, interaction with older siblings, desire to do everything adults do, alcohol abuse, repeatedly going missing from home for many days, and wandering outside.
The court found the defendant guilty under Article 12.1, Section 4 of the Criminal Code for "Committing rape against a minor child" and sentenced him to 12 years in prison, to be served in an open correctional facility.
DORNOGOBI: The 100th anniversary celebration of Urgen soum, the cradle of the brave of the Great Gobi, begins
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
The historic 100th anniversary celebration festival of Urgen soum has begun today.
This soum used to belong to Noyon Khutagt's disciples of Mergen Wang's banner, but in 1924 it was established as Battulga or Battulga Mountain soum on the slopes of Khaalga Mountain, Khan Bayanzurkh Mountain, and Choilong Mountain in the current territory of Urgen soum.
Eighty years ago, during the dzud of the Year of the Monkey, more than 70,000 horses (and a few cattle) from Dundgobi, Tuv, Uvurkhangai, Khentii, and Dornogobi descended in a snow storm and approached the border through the territory of what is now Urgen (formerly Bayanmunkh) soum in Dornogobi aimag. As written by the wise scholar Byambin Renchin in his composition "The Brave People of the Great Gobi," the local herders led by Tuv's Baldan and Dambadarjaa heroically held them back for many days without letting them cross the border, becoming the owners of a unique history.
In addition to Mount Argali, which is revered by the local people, there are blue mountains embracing each other called Big Mountain and Small Mountain, and Mount Sumber with its worship and offerings, standing tall. Many burial mounds and khirgisuurs, evidence of ancient human habitation, are found in the vast steppes. In terms of the distribution of argali in Mongolia, this is the easternmost territory, and no traces of this animal are found further east.
Notable figures such as D. Sodnom, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Mongolian People's Republic, and O. Majig, a labor hero and horse breeder, were born in Urgen soum. The "Mon Cement" factory, which alone supplies more than 30 percent of Mongolia's cement market, operates here.
Urgen soum is connected to the vertical axis railway and road network, and has the potential to develop tourism and agriculture sectors.
During the historic anniversary celebration, six-year-old horses will race, archers will compete in archery and ankle bone shooting, and strong wrestlers will compete in skillful techniques.
SELENGE: Zuunburen soum celebrates its 100th anniversary
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
The first state farm that became the wing of the great campaign to occupy virgin lands, Erdene Chin Wang's banner of Tusheet Khan aimag, now Zuunburen soum of Selenge aimag, is a land with a rich history that cradled the first air hero, gave birth to swift steeds and famous singers, developed as the main base for intensive animal husbandry, agriculture, and food vegetable production, and produced many famous and meritorious people.
J. Saintsog, Deputy Governor of the aimag, participated in the 100th anniversary celebration meeting of Zuunburen soum, delivered a congratulatory message to the gathered crowd, and presented the archival document of the soum's establishment along with a certificate for one hundred million tugriks to be spent on local investment, wishing them success.
Member of Parliament D. Batbayar, aimag and soum leaders, and elderly people whose work and life are connected to Zuunburen soum also participated in the celebratory meeting. On this festive day, a ceremony was held to present state medals and awards to some people who have dedicated their work to the state and people.
Zuunburen soum of Selenge aimag has 3 bags: Jargalant, Belchir, and Mangirt. A total of 2,761 people live in 920 households. It ranks 11th out of 17 soums in Selenge aimag by population and 14th by land area. It has the highest population density at 43.6 people/hectare and borders Tsagaannuur, Tushig, Khushaat, Sukhbaatar soums of Selenge aimag, and Orkhon soum of Darkhan-Uul aimag.
The soum's territory consists of hills and plains suitable for animal husbandry and agriculture. Zuunburen soum is located in the southern part of Selenge aimag, 332 km from Ulaanbaatar city and 49 km from the aimag center.
"The Police Violated the Law by Disclosing the Deceased's Personal Information Without Permission"
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
Minister of Justice and Home Affairs O. Altangerel met with the police leadership and the family of O., who may have lost his life due to police torture, late today. The victim's lawyer, G. Ankhbayar, provided this information.
He said, "The Minister of Justice and Home Affairs has instructed the Chief of the General Police Department and the Chief of the General Executive Agency of Court Decisions to conduct an internal investigation in connection with this incident.
As the Anti-Corruption Agency is investigating the case, it is not possible to provide specific information about the case. Official information will be provided after all information has been verified and the forensic report has been issued.
The Minister of Justice and Home Affairs stated that the General Police Department violated the law by disclosing information related to the victim's personal privacy during their press briefing this morning.
The police leadership did not officially comment on this issue. By law, they should have obtained permission from the family to disclose information. The minister gave a separate instruction to work in compliance with this legal provision."
Prosecutor resolves issue of releasing 14 seriously ill people from sentences in accordance with the law
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
In the first half of 2024, based on proposals received from the judicial enforcement agency, the prosecutor's office legally resolved and ensured the rights of 661 convicts to be released early, exempted from punishment, or have their regimes changed. Specifically:
- 561 people were released early from prison sentences and placed under supervision on the grounds that they had compensated for damages caused by their crimes, had not committed serious violations during their sentence, had served a certain percentage of their imposed sentence, and had participated in socialization training;
- 14 people with serious illnesses listed in the schedule approved jointly by the Government members in charge of legal and health issues were exempted from punishment;
- 86 people had their prison regime changed after considering the nature of their crimes, personal circumstances, and rehabilitation status, with conclusions written and decided by the court.
Investigating a Citizen for Driving Under the Influence
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
Information about a citizen driving a vehicle while intoxicated on a local road was circulated on social media on the 23rd of this month. Following up on this information, the Traffic Police Department conducted an investigation and identified that a 52-year-old citizen D was driving a "Toyota Harrier" vehicle. The driver of the vehicle admitted to driving the car while under the influence of alcohol. The Traffic Police Department reported that the violation is being investigated according to jurisdiction.
In cases of driving under the influence, if the driver's license is valid, the driving privilege is suspended for one year, and the court determines the personal circumstances to impose a fine of 400,000 tugriks or detention for 7-30 days.
The Traffic Police Department warns against driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Police officer sentenced to 12 years in prison for raping a minor
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn
A 26-year-old former patrol officer and police driver of the .... Province Police Department has been charged with raping a 13-year-old, 2-month, and 26-day-old child .... The crime occurred repeatedly in his home and vehicle. The prosecutor has filed an indictment and submitted the case to the court.
During the investigation, the young victim consistently stated that they had "sexual intercourse with the defendant 4-5 times," but in court, the victim testified that they "did not have sexual intercourse with the defendant."
The defendant, however, refused to testify in court, stating that he knows the victim girl and is exercising his right to remain silent.
The defendant's lawyers argued: "...the victim girl is tall and mature for her age, so we didn't know she was 13 years old. We thought she was 16, so please reduce the charge to having sexual intercourse with a person under 16 years old."
Evidence in the case file shows that the young victim ... went missing from home 8 times, and the Police conducted search operations, each time returning her to her family. When searching for the young victim, all personal information, including photos, was shared with the police force through an internal digital database. Therefore, the defendant's claim that he did not know she was 13 years old when he found her missing in 2024 and returned her to her family is unfounded.
The cause of this crime appears to be directly related to the victim's stepfather and family's lack of supervision. The victim had previously been a victim of rape, and as a result, she interacts with older siblings and friends, desires to do everything adults do, is influenced by them to drink alcohol, and repeatedly goes missing from home for many days, wandering outside.
Three citizens drown while swimming in Lake Khövsgöl
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn
According to information from the National Emergency Management Agency, a tragic incident was recorded yesterday where people lost their lives while swimming in Lake Khövsgöl.
Specifically, at a place called Jankhai's Upper Wooded Bay in the 2nd bag of Khatgal village, Alag-Erdene soum, Khövsgöl aimag, 16 people (8 of them children) were resting on the shore of Lake Khövsgöl when 3 citizens entered to swim and drowned.
The Emergency Department of the aimag received the call at 14:37 yesterday, and after traveling 20 km, they found that citizen B (45 years old, male), citizen J (35 years old, male), and citizen Kh (24 years old, male) had drowned in Lake Khövsgöl. The bodies were recovered from a depth of 4 meters and handed over to the police.
Environment
3.5 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Khovd Province
Published: Fri, 26 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 occurred in Khovd province at 9:45 Ulaanbaatar time.
The epicenter of the earthquake was 112 km southeast of the center of Altai soum, 137 km southeast of the center of Uench soum in the province, and 115 km southwest of the center of Bugat soum in Govi-Altai province, according to the Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences.
Earthquake intensity is measured in two ways. Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake. The intensity felt by humans and buildings on the Earth's surface is measured by the Mercalli scale. The scale goes up to 12, with earthquakes below 3 magnitude usually not felt by people, while those above 7 magnitude can cause widespread destruction.
Specifically, earthquakes of 1-3 intensity are slightly felt by people inside buildings, with slight movement of dishes and containers on shelves.
When earthquakes reach 4-5 intensity, people become alarmed, light fixtures noticeably shake, and poorly secured statues, dishes and containers may fall. Most people feel fear.
At 6-7 intensity, it becomes difficult for people to stand, doors may not open, wall panels may crack, windows may break, and furniture and objects may move and fall over.
DARKHAN-UUL: Reintroduction of Mongolian Marmots
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
The Department of Environment and Tourism of the aimag is organizing many activities to protect, breed, and sustainably use animals. As part of this effort, 25 Mongolian marmots were reintroduced in the territory of the 2nd bag of Khongor soum.
This work was carried out in collaboration with the professional organization "Animal Rights Protection Society", local partnerships, and "Darkhan Metallurgical Plant" LLC, which provided support within the framework of the Environmental Protection Management Plan.
Conservationists say that by reintroducing marmots, the biodiversity of the region increases and ecological balance is created. Marmots also have many benefits such as loosening the soil, increasing plant growth, and neutralizing desertification.
Incidentally, in collaboration with the "Animal Rights Protection Society" NGO, 10 marmots were reintroduced in the territory of Khongor soum in 2021, and 25 marmots in 2022, with protection responsibilities assigned to local residents, partnerships, and nature conservationists.
Innovation
Elective courses will be taught online if the number of children is insufficient
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
Registration has begun for teacher training to implement 16 elective programs for high school online. Teachers will be registered until 12:00 on the 31st of this month, and an invitation to the training class will be sent to the registered email address. The training will be conducted online between the 5th and 9th of next month. Teachers who will teach the courses can register at forms.office.com.
Teachers who have participated in the training organized by the Medle.mn online school will teach elective courses online as needed. In other words, based on information on how many high school students have registered to study which subjects, either classroom or online training will be implemented. For example, if 20 students in Ulaanbaatar city schools, 12 in aimag centers, and 10 in soums choose the course, it will be taught in the classroom. However, if fewer children than the above numbers participate in the elective course, it will be conducted online. Students in grades 10-12 can choose to study 3-4 subjects.
Health
Improving Prenatal Care Services
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
Member of Parliament and Minister of Health T. Munkhsaikhan received Dr. Khalid Sharif, Head of the United Nations Population Fund, and related officials.
At the beginning of the meeting, Minister T. Munkhsaikhan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work again with the UN Population Fund as the Minister of Health, and exchanged information and opinions on future cooperation and activities to be implemented in the health sector.
He expressed his commitment to focus on improving public health services, particularly on supporting and protecting the health of children, youth, and pregnant women. This includes monitoring children from the womb, providing health education to pregnant women, delivering quality and hassle-free assistance for healthy births, establishing a school health system, and improving school-based surveillance.
Dr. Khalid Sharif, Head of the UN Population Fund, congratulated the Minister of Health on his reappointment to the prestigious position and wished him success in his work. He also expressed that the Ministry of Health is one of the closest partners of the UN Population Fund and provided information on some results related to maternal and child health and prenatal care from the 2023 social indicator sample survey conducted within the framework of the 7th Country Support Program implemented jointly by the Government of Mongolia and the UN Population Fund. He expressed his willingness to actively collaborate on developing and implementing school health programs, conducting research on risky behaviors of young people, and developing communication strategies, in addition to supporting the activities to be implemented by the Ministry of Health.
314,000 People Enrolled in Health Insurance in the First Half of the Year
Published: Fri, 26 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
The revenue of the Health Insurance Fund reached 953.8 billion tugriks in the first half of 2024. This is an increase of 178.4 billion tugriks compared to the same period in 2023.
In the first half of the year, the fund's expenditure reached 1132.4 billion tugriks. This is an increase of 335.5 billion tugriks compared to the same period last year.
The increase in the Health Insurance Fund's revenue compared to 2023 is due to:
- Premium income increased by 56.2 billion tugriks,
- Premiums paid from the state budget for citizens covered by state insurance increased by 68.6 billion tugriks,
- Funds allocated from the state budget to finance healthcare services and expenses covered by the state through health insurance organizations increased by 53.1 billion tugriks.
Nationwide, 3,140,700 people were insured in health insurance in the first half of the year, without duplication.
Regarding the total number of insured:
- 2,258,500 are citizens whose premiums are covered by the state budget,
- 714,000 are citizens whose premiums are paid by employers and the insured,
- 168,200 are citizens who pay their own premiums.
Health Insurance: The process of paying health insurance premiums in accordance with the law by the state, citizens, and legal entities to pre-establish the Health Insurance Fund and purchase health care services.
Insured: A citizen who has the right to regularly pay premiums in advance to the Health Insurance Fund in accordance with the Health Insurance Law and share the financial risks that may arise due to health issues from that insurance fund.
Other insured: Those who pay their own health insurance premiums, other than those specified in 6.1.2, 6.1.3, 6.1.4, and 6.1.9 of the Health Insurance Law.
Citizens whose premiums are covered by the state budget: This includes children under 18, citizens without regular monetary income other than pensions, members of households in need of social welfare support and assistance, mothers or fathers caring for their children, active duty military personnel, and prisoners serving sentences.
Health Insurance Premium: The payment made by citizens or on their behalf by the state and legal entities to the Health Insurance Fund at the rate specified by law for the purpose of health insurance.
Healthcare services and benefits package covered by the Health Insurance Fund: This includes comprehensive health care services including essential diagnostics, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation, care, nursing, palliative care, and active exercise and sports services, as well as discounts on medication prices for the insured, as explained by the National Statistics Office.
Arts
B. Munkhbayar: The yohor, epics, and melodies of the Buryat people cannot be replicated by any other ethnic group
Published: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn
"Every ethnic group has its own unique culture. The Buryat Geser epic, yohor dance, melodies, and literature cannot be replicated anywhere else. All of these form the cultural system of an ethnic group.
The further one moves away from their culture, the harder it becomes to identify which ethnic group they belong to," said B. Munkhbayar, a research fellow in the Literature Sector of the Institute of Language and Literature at the Academy of Sciences.
We spoke with him during the international forum "Altargana World-2024: History, Present, and Future."
The forum is traditionally organized to support the development of Buryat-Mongolian national thinking, preserve national culture, and align it with modern conditions. This allows scholars and experts from Mongolia, Russia, and China to present reports and discuss at scientific conferences.
This time, participants presented reports on general topics such as language, culture, traditions, and the development of Buryat.
Continuing Munkhbayar's speech: "Preserving ancestral heritage and culture in the face of globalization has become a top priority.
Therefore, it is necessary to speak in the ethnic language and dialect, wear traditional clothing even in everyday life, and pass on cultural traditions to future generations.
The sources for inheriting culture are oral and written literature. For example, the school in Dadal soum of Khentii aimag should teach Buryat oral literature. In terms of thinking, Buryats have the potential to create some of the world's best works. That's why we ourselves are living elements of our heritage and cultural traditions."
The Buryat-Mongolian "Altargana" great festival has been organized twice a year since 1994. This forum was organized by the Buryat Culture and Heritage Development Foundation NGO.
Member discussion