The
Civil Chamber under the President yesterday organized an open
discussion on the problems presently facing families in Mongolia.
Academics, social analysts, and officials of the Ministry of Justice and
Internal Affairs presented their views. The keynote papers were by
Prof. T.Namjim, and two scholars, B.Oyun-Erdene and S.Otgonbaatar. They
and other participants spoke of how the traditional Mongolian family is
changing, how it is responding to new problems and challenges.  Marriage
is sometimes being replaced by live-in couples and partners of the same
sex are sometimes forming a household. More women are working outside
the home, divorce is becoming common, and property disputes are
increasing.

There were suggestions to legalize double citizenship, to set up
administrative departments for family issues and also special courts to
decide on family-related disputes, and to teach family values in
kindergartens and secondary schools. 

Deputy Minister for Justice V.Udval said a new law on family was
required, though the Government alone cannot solve all problems
generated by social change. There was a call for a bigger role for NGOs.

The views at the meeting were submitted to the Advisor of the President, Ch.Sosormaa.