Mongol Identity represents a diverse global network of more than 45 members across the globe, supporting millions of Mongols and their dignity internationally. The Mongol Identity SCIO has led impactful campaigns to correct negative stereotypes and inappropriate uses of the word “Mongol” across various platforms.
Panel Discussion at the UN HQ, New York – 2023
Today, we shared the highlights from our recent panel discussion at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, organized by the Permanent Mission of Mongolia to the UN and the Down Syndrome Association Mongolia (DSAMmn).
During the Mongol Identity panel, the panelists requested the World Health Organization (WHO) to consider a resolution on the use of the word “mongol” and its variations when referring to Down syndrome in health and medical fields. This initiative aims to promote accurate and respectful terminology, ensuring that the term “mongol” is recognized solely in the context of Mongol ethnicity and culture.
Mongol Identity Advocates at UNESCO Paris – 2023
Today, our Director Uuganaa Ramsay spoke at UNESCO Paris on the panel ‘Championing Disability Rights and Inclusion through the Social and Human Sciences.’
She highlighted the neglect of human and cultural rights in developed countries and urged UN member states to act against human rights violations. The word “Mongol” is often misused to discriminate and degrade people in various countries. Online platforms have exacerbated this issue, spreading hate and discrimination.
This event focused on the harmful impact of the term “mongolism” on people with learning disabilities and Mongol ethnic groups. We seek support from member states, the UN Human Rights Council, NGOs, and other stakeholders to combat hate speech and promote inclusion and equality.
Our Recommendations:
- UN member states should review and eradicate the use of “Mongol,” “mongolism,” and “mongoloid” in all contexts except for referring to Mongol ethnicity and culture.
- Normalize “Mongol” as a neutral term for Mongol ethnicity under the DS campaign “WithUsNotForUs.”
- Educate medical and social care professionals and the broader community on the appropriate use of this term.
Call to Action at the UN Geneva – 2023
We were honoured to speak at the United Nations in Geneva today. The topic was addressing the historical term ‘mongolism’ in different languages, with specific examples from French-speaking countries.
On March 21, 2023, the United Nations in Geneva marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. We urged UN member states to lead efforts in reviewing and eradicating the use of “Mongol,” “mongolism,” and “mongoloid” in all contexts, except when referring to Mongol ethnicity, culture, and language.
Aligned with the “WithUsNotForUs” DS campaign, we aim to normalize “Mongol” as a neutral term for people of Mongol ethnicity and recommend educating medical and social care professionals and the broader community on its appropriate use.
Udemy – Jun 2021
Our campaign removed an educational course which had misleading and inappropriate content regarding Mongolia.
Oxford University Press 2021
Our dictionary campaign influenced the Oxford Advanced Learner’s dictionary to remove the negative connotations of mongol, mongoloid and mongolism from their definitions and keep the authentic meanings of these words in relation to people and culture of the Mongols.
German clinics Feb 2021
Our campaign corrected 10 German clinic websites and online publications, removing the term “mongolismus”.
Formula One – Oct 2020
Our campaign challenged Max Verstappen, Formula One driver on the use of word mongol.
New Zealand – Nov 2017
STUFF.nz – our campaign challenged Dr Libby Weaver on the use of word mongol in her book.