Corruption is pervasive in Mongolia. A rapid transition to democracy and a market economy created huge demands on a bureaucracy that lacked the resources, checks and balances, and public and legislative oversight to prevent corruption.  Corruption in Mongolia influences relations between the government, the private sector and civil society, and transcends all political party lines.

Activities

THE MONGOLIAN ANTI-CORRUPTION SUPPORT (MACS) PROJECT

The Asia Foundation (TAF), in partnership with The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has developed a new initiative MACS to reduce the incidence and scope of corruption, to strengthen institutional and public capacity to combat corruption, and to empower the public to demand transparency and accountability. MACS will seek to move Mongolia into the top two-thirds of all countries on the CPI over three years. The project will influence public perceptions and engage civil society in combating corruption by raising awareness and discouraging tolerance of corrupt behavior.  

Advocacy and Institution Building

TAF works in partnership with local non-governmental organization to advocate for legal and regulatory change that combats corruption. TAF sponsors study tours and targeted training to inform legislative debate and build institutional capacity. TAF assistance supports the passage of the pending Anti-corruption and Anti-money Laundering Laws and the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Agency.  TAF will assist the National Audit Board, the Prosecutor General and other institutions that are critical to combat corruption.

Corruption Benchmarking: Corruption Monitoring System (CMS)

TAF has developed a robust set of corruption monitoring tools and indexes to serve as a barometer of success in combating corruption. TAF, in cooperation with San Maral/ Transparency International will conduct semi-annual surveys to assess the scope, incidence and impact of corruption.  The first survey is currently underway.

Strengthening Media to Combat Corruption

TAF will work with broadcast and print media to disseminate information and to raise awareness nationwide.  

Public Awareness & Education

Public awareness and education are closely allied with advocacy and media training.  TAF sponsors local NGOs to develop targeted public awareness campaigns and education programming to increase awareness and intolerance for corruption. 

TAF will develop an ethics curriculum with the Academy of Management and Law School of the Mongolian University that will be included as mandatory course work. An anti-corruption lecture series will be developed based on proposals from winning contestants of a nationwide competition. The series will be disseminated to government, universities, media, civil society and professional organizations.