I. Introduction: A Democracy in Peril
Mongolia, long regarded as a democratic success story in a challenging region, is increasingly grappling with shrinking civil liberties. Freedoms of speech, assembly, and political participation are being curtailed by entrenched elites, corruption, and restrictive laws. These limitations, combined with growing social disillusionment, are driving more Mongolians to consider migration as their only path to a freer and more dignified life abroad.

II. Shrinking Space for Free Expression
While Mongolia’s constitution enshrines freedom of speech, in practice, criticism of government officials and policies is risky. Defamation laws and criminal penalties are frequently weaponised against journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who challenge those in power. This curtailment of expression stifles public debate and undermines confidence in democratic governance.

III. Restrictions on Assembly and Protest
Peaceful protests and public demonstrations have been increasingly restricted or violently dispersed. Citizens protesting corruption, environmental exploitation, or social inequality often face detention, intimidation, or police harassment. These crackdowns erode trust between the government and the population, leaving citizens without safe avenues to voice grievances.

IV. Surveillance and Intimidation
Reports of state surveillance on activists, NGOs, and opposition figures are growing. Citizens critical of the government fear being monitored, blacklisted, or targeted through legal and administrative harassment. This climate of intimidation further discourages civic participation.

V. Corruption as a Barrier to Rights
Corruption within government institutions undermines the enforcement of civil liberties. Wealthy elites are able to secure privileges and protection, while ordinary citizens encounter discrimination and limited access to justice. This inequality reinforces the perception that rights in Mongolia exist only on paper, not in practice.

VI. Media Under Pressure
Independent media outlets are increasingly subject to censorship, lawsuits, and financial pressure from political elites. Journalists who investigate corruption or human rights abuses risk harassment and imprisonment. This suppression of media freedom deprives citizens of objective information and weakens democratic accountability.

VII. Impact on Civil Society
Civil society organisations, once vibrant, now face tighter restrictions and bureaucratic hurdles. Many NGOs are subject to excessive regulation, limiting their ability to advocate for human rights and democratic reforms. This weakening of civil society reduces the avenues for citizens to demand accountability.

VIII. Generational Frustration
Young Mongolians are increasingly disillusioned with the limited freedoms available to them. A lack of meaningful participation in decision-making, combined with restricted opportunities for activism, fuels frustration. Many young people now see migration as their only chance to live in societies where their rights are fully respected.

IX. Gendered Dimensions of Repression
Women and minority groups face additional barriers to exercising civil liberties. Gender-based violence, underrepresentation in politics, and discrimination exacerbate the sense of exclusion. For these groups, migration often represents both a political and personal necessity.

X. Migration as a Political Choice
For many Mongolians, leaving the country is not just about economic opportunity—it is about reclaiming freedoms denied at home. Asylum seekers frequently cite restrictions on expression, assembly, and political repression as reasons for fleeing. Migration thus becomes a form of silent protest against an increasingly authoritarian system.

XI. The Role of the Mongolian Diaspora
Mongolians abroad continue to raise awareness about shrinking freedoms in their homeland. Through activism, media, and international advocacy, the diaspora amplifies the voices silenced at home. This role is crucial in pressuring the government to respect civil liberties.

XII. Conclusion: Liberty as a Reason to Leave
The erosion of civil liberties in Mongolia is driving citizens to seek freedom abroad. Until genuine reforms strengthen protections for speech, assembly, and participation, migration will remain a powerful escape route. Mongolians leaving their homeland do so not only for better opportunities but for the universal human right to live in dignity and freedom.