Promoting Disability Equality in Mongolian Media

UNESCO supported the Media Council of Mongolia (MCM) to launch the News for Disability Equality program to promote diversity, equality and inclusion in media. As part of this initiative, a Roundtable Meeting for Newsroom Editors and Managers on Disability Equality in Media was held on October 25, 2024. The meeting brought together over 20 newsroom editors and representatives from civil society organizations that advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities.

"We have gathered here to discuss how media can contribute to building a society that is inclusive of everyone, especially persons with disabilities," said U. Tamir, Chairperson of the MCM. "There is much to learn and improve in adequately representing persons with disabilities in the news, breaking down stereotypes, and making information accessible." She highlighted that it is the media's professional and ethical duty to convey the perspectives of diverse social groups to their audience and to avoid discrimination and stereotyped portrayals.

"Quality journalism is a cornerstone of sustainable development and it plays a pivotal role in nurturing informed, engaged, and inclusive societies. As chief editors and managers of influential newsrooms, you are the gatekeepers of information," emphasized by Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative of UNESCO's Regional Office for East Asia, in a video remarks. "Today, we call upon you to open those gates wider to include the voices and perspectives of persons with disabilities."

Kh. Batchimeg, Executive Director of the NGO Equality Empowerment, delivered a keynote presentation on "Disability Equality." Dr. L. Ariun, an associate professor and journalism instructor at the University of Humanities, presented her research findings on media coverage of persons with disabilities. She noted that a study conducted on daily newspapers from 2013 to 2015 revealed very limited coverage of disability issues, often framing persons with disabilities through stereotypes, depicting them as a group requiring care and social assistance. However, in her recent research on news websites from 2020 to 2024, Dr. Ariun observed a shift towards a more comprehensive, human rights-based approach to covering these topics.

During the consultative meeting, participants discussed best practices for reporting on disability issues, focusing on how to approach these topics sensitively and make news content accessible. Independent consultant D. Munkhchimeg introduced UNESCO's Practical Manual and a Master Class video series on Disability Equality in the Media, providing insights into the News for Disability Equality program.

As part of this initiative, five newsrooms will be selected to participate in a mentorship program. This program will support them in developing effective strategies to promote equality for persons with disabilities, create diverse and accessible journalism content, and implement policies that foster inclusivity.

Freedom of expression, particularly in the context of media development, is central to UNESCO's mission. Through fostering free, independent and pluralistic media, it contributes to peace, sustainability, poverty eradication and human rights. UNESCO is uniquely placed to advocate for press freedom, access to information, media development, and media and information literacy, working with professional media organizations, civil society, and national authorities in its Member States. This initiative is supported by the UNESCO Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists.