Somali Journalists call for investigation, no impunity for attackers
The The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) announced that a
suicide bomb attack on Wednesday 29th October outside the Ethiopian
consulate in Hargeisa, Somaliland, injured three journalists, who were
walking before the premises of Ethiopian mission.
Journalist Mohamed Harun Ahmed of Somaliland Space Chanel was severely
injured as his two legs were broken by the detonation.
Journalist Jamal Abdi Mohamed of Hagen Newspaper was wounded at the
left hand. Abdi Hamud of Somaliland space channel was also injured at
the left arm.
The three journalists were hospitalized.
The NUSOJ demanded an investigation of the attack and no impunity for the attackers.
Source NUSOJ Vice President of the NUSOJ killed, ICPJ condemns strongly
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) condemns in the strongest possible manner the targeted assassination of the National Union of Somali Journalists’ (NUSOJ) Vice President Nasteh Dahir Farah, who was gunned down by gunmen southern town of Kismayu on Saturday 7 June 2008.
On his way back home, late Nasteh Dahir Farah was attacked by armed men who shattered bullets at his stomach and chesty.
Nasteh, who works BBC Somali Serive and also as a Freelancer for Reuters News Agency, died at the hospital 10 minutes after he was admitted.
He was shot on his way home from work and the killers were not identified.
Nasteh was elected NUSOJ Vice President in 2005 at the General Assembly of the union in Mogadishu.
Source: NUSOJ
ICPJ condemns arrest of Director of Somali Broadcasting Corporation Mowlid Haji Abdi
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) strongly condemns today's arrest of Director of Somali Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) Mowlid Haji Abdi by the police of Puntland Regional State in northeastern Somalia.
Around 09:50am local time, Puntland police forcefully entered the headquarters of SBC, largest Radio and Television Network in Puntland, and ordered Mowlid Haji Abdi to go with hem. The forces took the director to detention center at the Bossasso Seaport, where they are currently detaining him.
"We deplore the arrest of Mowlid Haji Abdi as purposeful aggression against media freedom" said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.
Puntland authorities did not talk about the arrest of the journalist, but journalists and members of SBC Radio and Television stated that it has relations with SBC's coverage of recent armed conflict in Puntland.
"We demand unconditional and immediate release of our colleague from Puntland authorities" said Omar Faruk.
"Puntland police have been using recent days all forms of harassment and intimidation to journalists so that media can not report current events accurately and independently,” added Omar Faruk.
9 May 2008
Somali Journalists receive the Kiev Democracy Award
NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman said that this tribute comes at a crucial moment for press freedom, human rights and transitional democratization process in Somalia – a time when death threats, arrests, killings, fears of arrest and intimidations of media professionals are alarmingly common in our country.
The World Movement for Democracy is a global network of democrats including independent journalists, trade unionists, business leaders, religious leaders, human rights activists, practitioners, academics, policy makers, who have come together to cooperate in the promotion of democracy.
9 April 2008
Media – curtailment of independent journalism in Somalia
In recent months, there has been significant and deliberate curtailment of independent journalism.
Some of the key human rights violations which HRDs are subjected to are:
§ Violation of right to life
§ Violation of freedom of expression
§ Violation of freedom of the media
Some of the concrete violations
Persistent attacks have been carried out on the three leading private radio stations: HornAfrik, Radio Shabelle and Holy Q’uran Radio. All of these have been closed at one time or another by the TFG forces. Crucial equipment has been destroyed. Journalists have been arrested and detained
On the 2nd of March 2008, TGF forces forcefully entered into Radio Shabelle and Radio Simba; they confiscated part of the recording equipment thus forcing these two stations off air. The Director of Radio Shabelle, Muqtar Mohamed Hirabe was detained. He was taken to a site near the Presidential Palace but has since been released and is back at work. The forces also attempted to shut down Radio HornAfrik but failed.
These are just some of the media organisations which have been targeted, but there are many others that have also been affected at one time or another. Al Jazeera offices for example were also closed in 2007.
Personal attacks, intimidation and harassment of journalists
The attempts to thwart media freedom have also involved personal attacks/ intimidation and harassment of journalist.
Journalists have:
§ Been subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention;
§ Received anonymous death threats – notably by telephone - calling on the journalists to remove certain articles from public circulation;
§ Been threatened with imprisonment;
§ Been followed and harassed in the streets;
§ Been intimidated at their place of work – notably by the police forces.
One of the journalists we are currently working with in Uganda was arrested by Ethiopian troops and taken to Ethiopia where he was held incommunicado and interrogated before finally being released;
Several journalists have had their houses searched, property destroyed, members of their families intimidated, received death threats, and some have seen members of their families kidnapped.
As a result, 9 journalists have been killed in Somalia since 2007. At least 50 fled Mogadishu in the past four months (up until January 2008) and are currently scattered in different countries with little or no assistance.
Targeted killings
The targeted killings of journalists have taken different forms: Direct gun attacks against journalists in public;Attacks by unidentified gunmen on the convoys/vehicles in which the journalists were travelling in;Planting of landmines on the route taken by renowned journalist.
Why are they targeted?Following the massive crackdown on prominent human rights organisations, journalists are at present one of the few voices still speaking out against the massive human rights violations being perpetrated against innocent civilians in the country. As a result of the lack of international adequate involvement and presence on the ground, they are the only voices denouncing the continued practice of arbitrary arrests - the illegal detentions.
Who is targeting them?
Journalists have come under attack from all the sides/ parties perpetrating human rights violations in the conflict notably:
§ Somali security services (National Security Agency) – often backed by the Ethiopian forces;
§ Ethiopian forces in Somalia;
§ Insurgents – notably Al Shabab (wing of the Islamic Courts Group);
§ Clan based militias.
What are they being accused of?
§ Generally accused of siding with the enemy;
§ Providing unfair coverage;
§ Highlighting violations committed by a given side.
What are the protection mechanisms available to journalists?
Protection mechanisms within Somalia are few:
§ Some journalists have been confined to their offices having received threats or having been caught in the general shelling/insecurity of the capital;
§ Others have been forced to disappear from the public scene, to change their telephone numbers; some have gone into hiding and are working “underground”.
Protection efforts outside Somalia:
There are more than 50 journalists currently living in exile - either in neighbouring countries (notably in Kenya and Uganda) . This number is likely to increase.
Most of the activists and journalists who we have been working with show an ardent desire to pursue their work;
Recommendations
EHAHRD-Net call on the TFG Somalia to:
§ Immediately end to all systematic attacks on the media and on journalists;
§ End arbitrary arrests of journalists;
§ Investigate in an impartial manner and condemn attacks on the media and the targeted killings of journalists;
§ End impunity by bringing those responsible for the current and past violations to justice whilst ensuring access to a fair trial, which adheres to international standards;
§ Strictly observe the regional and international mechanisms put in place for the protection of the media; notably to adhere to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee freedom of expression (Article 9);
§ Ensure that journalists are able to pursue their work unimpeded, notably by halting raids and closures of media outlets, returning or restoring all property which is essential to their work, and which has been confiscated in recent weeks;
§ Ensure that the new Somali media law is used to further the protection accorded to journalists.
EHAHRD-Net further appeals to the Ethiopian forces and insurgents to:
§ Bring an immediate end to all systematic attacks on the media and on journalists as a media black-out would constitute a further compromise of the rights of the Somali people;
§ End intimidation and threats being made against journalists.
EHAHRD-Net further appeals to the insurgents, the Ethiopian forces and the TFG to:
§ Bring an immediate end to all attacks on the civilian population.
Finally, EHAHRD-Net calls upon the UN, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and all other concerned international humanitarian bodies to:
§ Encourage members of the Human Rights Council to ensure that the mandate of the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Somalia appointed by the Secretary General, is renewed and maintains its current status;
§ Encourage members of the Human Rights Council to urge the Special Procedures’ mandate-holders to pay specific attention to the situation of human rights in the region- notably by recommending that the Special Representative on Human Rights Defenders pays an immediate visit to Somalia;
§ Put pressure in particular on the TGF and the Ethiopian forces to halt their indiscriminate actions;
§ Use their relevant mandates to ensure that Somali authorities desist from the ill-treatment of journalists;
§ Ensure that freedom of expression is respected;
§ Continue monitoring the unfolding events surrounding the media in Somalia;
§ Encourage the TFG to end impunity and ensure that all actors responsible for the current abuses are held accountable for their actions;
§ Ensure that a genuine peace and reconciliation process is carried out, a process which includes all the parties in the conflict, and which places particular emphasis on the establishment of accountability mechanisms;
§ Ensure that any future peacekeeping forces, whether under UN leadership or not, have a clear mandate to protect civilians. Without this, the forces are unlikely to receive the support the Somali population – support which is essential to the success of the mission, and runs the risk of being seen as merely another foreign intervention simply seeking to legitimize the currently evidently unpopular TGF forces;
§ Ensure that all HRDs in particular journalists that have been forced into exile can pursue their vital work by providing them with assistance, protection and training;
§ Specifically call on Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to use its role and mandate to ensure that accountability mechanisms are put in place.
Hassan Shire Sheikh
Chairperson of the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network
18 March 2008
Side event Human Rights Council - 7th Session
Appeal by “Freedomexpression” groups to Somali Prime Minister
Twenty-eight national, regional and international free expression organizations appealed to Somali Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein to use his leadership position to truly protect journalists' and media workers' safety by investigating attacks on journalists to end the current culture of impunity.
The joint action was led by the National Unionof Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and other members and partners of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX).
The “freeexpression” groups, including the leading media freedom groups from Africa and internationally, said in a letter sent today to the Prime Minister that Somali journalists are still working in a highly dangerous environment, with one journalist killed, two seriously injured and four illegally arrested already this year. “This represents a substantial deterioration in an already bad situation,” said the groups.
“We believe that these attacks against journalists and media organizations constitute blatant violations and abuses of freedom of the press, freedom of expression and the right of citizens to be informed,” IFEX members and partner organizations declared.
Freeexpression advocacy groups stated that the media law that was passed on 8December 2007 has several articles that are not clearly phrased and plainly paradoxical to international standards of free expression. Some of the articles directly entail restrictions on the media. “We urge your government not to submit this media law to the president and that as the Prime Minister, you appeal to President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed not to ratify it into law. Rather it should be opened for revisions that safeguard the exercise of freedom of expression and freedom of the press, ensure protection of media independence and confidential sources, and allow for access to information,” they said.
As someone in charge of the promotion, coordination and supervision of government policy and general administration of the country, free expression groups called upon the Prime Minister to build confidence in the Somali people, especially in the media community, and to pursue democratic principles and respect for human rights, with a greater degree of assurance and implementation.
“We hope that your government will honor the values of peace, democracy, rule of law, social justice, and the dignity and integrity of all Somalis on which the Transitional Federal Charter is built,” NUSOJ and 27 other free expression and human rights groups observed.
“By investigating all attacks on journalists thoroughly, holding to account those who are responsible, and protecting professional safety and security of journalists in the conduct of their work you will protect those values and allow them to take root, not just in the media sector but in the country as a whole,” the groups said to the Prime Minister.
SOURCE:
National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) 1st Floor, Human Rights House, Taleex Street, KM4 Area, Hodan District, Mogadishu, Somalia, Telephone: +252 1 859 944, Fax: +252-1-227942 E-mail: nusoj@nusoj.com, newsletter@nusoj.org Internet: ttp://www.nusoj.org
21 February 2008
Shock at violence against journalists, ICPJ reacts to Somalia situation
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists is shocked at the spiral of violence against journalists in Sri-Lanka and Somalia over the past week.
Today the National Union of Somali Journalist (NUSOJ) announced the death of journalist Hassan Kafi Hared in Kismayu town of Lower Jubba region.
Hassan Kafi Hared, 36, died around 13:05 hrs after remote-controlled mine exploded inside a road in Siyad Village of Northern part of Kismayu.
In addition to the journalist who was walking in the road when the mine was detonated, two doctors working for Medecins Sans Frontieres-Holland and their Somali driver died in the attack.
Carnage followed, eyewitness said that the mine exploded from the side the journalist was walking on.
The journalist was on his way to a press conference in the town. When killed he was working for Somali National News Agency (SONNA), a Somali government run news agency, and a Somali website called gedonet.com.
Hassan Kafi Hared, a long-time member of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), is the treasurer of Southeast Branch of NUSOJ, survived by a wife and three children.
"We denounce this outrageous attack that killed our colleague Hassan Kafi Hared and the humanitarian aid workers" said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. "This is a targeted attack and we declare that this brutal killing of the journalist and the aid workers is an attack on the society itself".
"We demand that Transitional Government and the authorities in Kismayu to identify the culprits of this crime and bring them to justice" Omar declared.
Source NUSJ
28 January 2008
Another journalist attacked-Somalia
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) today condemned Puntland Ministry's attack on journalist Abdihakim Yusuf Moalim of Somali Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), a privately owned Radio Station in Bossaso town of Bari Region.
Security guard of Deputy Minister of Security of Puntland Ibrahim Artan (Haji Bakin) had violently beaten Abdihakim Yusuf Moalim after Haji Bakin slapped the journalist on Saturday morning January 26, 2008.
Abdihakim Yusuf and a cameraman went to cover a meeting between Puntland officials and local communities in Bossasso at the regional headquarters in Bossasso. The journalist was detained about one hour.
The Deputy Minister had also attacked SBC as biased and provocative media, and refused to regard SBC as a professional media House while calling its journalists as bogus and liars. However, the Puntland Minister of Information apologized the act.
"We condemn this sadistic attack on the journalist as an oppressive and grave act against the right and the freedom of a journalist who was carrying out his journalistic duties," said Omar Faruk Osman.
"We also call on the authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and respect the freedom of press." Omar said. The Journalist Abdihakim has several wounds on his face.
Source: NUSJ 28 January 2008
FRENCH JOURNALIST KIDNAPPED The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is strongly condemning the kidnapping of French journalist Gwen Le Gouil on Sunday, 16 December, by unknown gunmen in Port town of Bossasso, the capital of Bari region in north-eastern area of Somalia.
According to journalists and news reports, Gwen Le Gouil, who is cameraman that arrived Bossasso on Saturday, 15 December, from Mogadishu, was kidnapped by five armed men who ordered his driver and translator to go away. He is reportedly being held in a place called Marero, which is 7 km east of Bossasso. This evening, Puntland authorities failed to release him after the kidnapers opened fire to Puntland officials who went there to negotiate with kidnapers, according to officials.
The reason behind the kidnapping of Gwen Le Gouil, who wanted to cover human trafficking to Saudi Arabia via Yemen from Bossasso, is not officially known, although kidnapers reportedly demanded a ransom of at least US$70,000.
The media outlet that Gwen Le Gouil is working with is not formally known, but unconfirmed reports are stating that he is freelancing with ARTE Television, a French & German Television based in Strasbourg with an office in Paris.
"We denounce this kidnapping of Gwen Le Gouil, and we demand his immediate and unconditional release" said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. "We appeal to Puntland authorities to make peaceful release of the French cameraman and not to use any force that can risk the life of Gwen Le Gouil". 17 December 2007
ALNAJJAR
Threats to journalists and media outlets,
a serious violation of the Universal Declaration
GENEVA, December 10 (KUNA) -- The Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Ghanim Alnajjar said Monday that he is very concerned about recent reports that "Somaliland" authorities have ordered twenty-four journalists to leave "Somaliland" within the next few days.
The Independent Expert added that threats to journalists and media outlets constitute serious violations of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"I condemn such acts and call for investigations into all threats, attacks and killings against the media and the prompt re-opening of the closed media organizations," he said.
He reminded all Somali authorities of their obligation to respect the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and to ensure the safety and security of all, including journalists and other media professionals, human rights defenders and humanitarian workers.
Alnajjar, added in a statement issued today, that those 24 journalists reportedly fled Mogadishu earlier this year, in response to threats and intimidation and sought refuge in a safe house in Hargeisa with the approval of the authorities.
Some of the journalists have reportedly continued to exercise their freedom of expression while in Hargeisa.
Alnajjar stressed that the media must be allowed to perform its duties without apprehension
He called upon the "Somaliland" authorities to reconsider their decision to order the expulsion of the journalists.
"The year 2007 has been a very dangerous and difficult one for Somali journalists and human rights defenders, especially in Mogadishu. Since January, eight media professionals have been killed and dozens more threatened into silence for their work, while many have fled in fear," he said.
Alnajjar added that several media organizations have also been closed by authorities or have been intimidated into restricting their own reporting on current events. SOURCE: Press reports 10 December 2007
"Celebration of Human Rights Day 2007 - In solidarity with Somali journalists"
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) with UN Somalia, East & Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRD-Net), Article 19 and Amnesty International (AI) today marked International Human Rights Day at Silver Springs Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The event's title was "Celebration of Human Rights Day 2007 - In solidarity with Somali journalists".
The Secretary General of NUSOJ Omar Faruk Osman expressed at the event the union's concerns for human rights violations committed against journalists as this year turned the worst on record for the number of media people killed, imprisoned, injured and intimidated in Somalia.
" The recent hostility in Mogadishu with its unparalleled level of targeting media people and disrespect for the physical safety of news men and women reflect the unpleasant reality that journalists, because they have the capacity to expose violations of human rights, are unavoidably among the first victims in the conflict" said Omar Faruk Osman.
The event which was attended by Ambassadors of Somalia, Italy, Sweden and representatives from UN Somalia, and French & Portuguese Embassies in Nairobi attracted more than 60 participants of exiled Somali journalists, Somali NGOs, International NGOs and Kenyan & International Press.
In his speech at the occasion, Omar Faruk said: "Today's celebration reminds us of the importance of this remarkable declaration to people the world over, and to future generations, but Somali journalists have today little to celebrate. With 8 deaths, including targeted assassinations, 5 wounded, 47 arrested and with growing evidence of heartless disregard of media rights by political groups, 2007 almost turned into a year of brutality and abuse"
These tragic stories of human rights abuses of journalists and other media workers in Somalia made the country the most deadliest one for journalists in Africa and the second most dangerous place to be a journalist in the world after Iraq. As Secretary General of the union, I can report to you as of today that the number of our members, at least 50 of them, have had to go to exile in fear of their lives, particularly in the recent months, Omar Faruk added.
The systematic human rights violations of journalists have helped to perpetuate the restrictive climate in which Somali journalists work. Journalists who have tried to expose human rights violations and render professional service to the public, have been arbitrarily detained, unfairly accused, forced to flee the country, or have been assassinated for their journalism work.
NUSOJ Secretary General declared that the right of freedom of expression and the right to seek, receive and impart information of any kind are set out in international standards, but the pervasive culture of impunity in the killing of media people is a cruel fact of life for media in Somalia that undermines professional journalism, freedom of expression and the free flow of information to the public.
" Dozens of our colleagues endanger their lives regularly because there is a great hunger for news. But information comes at too high a price when it leads to the death or injury of journalist or a media worker. All sides in the conflict qualified as fierce enemies of the media and they don't tolerate independent reporting, detailed examination and criticism of their activities and performance" Omar Faruk told the participants of the celebration.
Omar Faruk stated that it is a positive development that the Transitional Federal Parliament of Somalia voted for a New National Media Law on Saturday, 8 December. We hope that the new law will not restrict freedom of expression, including freedom of the press, as there are few amendments made to the draft that we were consulted with by the government, and the new law has not been submitted to the media and so far we cannot judge the law. We also hope that it will supersede provisional decrees which were conditioned to the closed media houses in Mogadishu to sign in order to resume operations.
"As we defend the rights of journalists whenever they are attacked, imprisoned or threatened for their work, the National Union of Somali Journalists demanded an explanation and an independent inquiry of these crimes against journalists, but journalists are still routinely subject to brutal intimidation and media continue to be censored and closed down. These desperate groups want to manipulate media and to shape public opinion, and when the media resists they commit these crimes" he added.
"But today on behalf of the National Union of Somali Journalists, I want to send a message to violators of media and freedom of expression that media do not exist in order to promote their policies or aims. Good journalistic practice guidelines should not, therefore, be dictated and imposed" he said.
Omar Faruk said to UN and International Community " The United Nations system and the broader international community must be entirely engaged in finding out what happened in these cases and action must be taken to ensure it never happens again".
"We believe that all those responsible for violations of journalists' rights should be punished for their crimes. The international community should put in place procedures and structures to hold those responsible for crimes against media freedom and journalists in Somalia to be brought to justice" he stated.
"The Somalia's Transitional Federal Government must respect and protect journalists' rights to freedom of expression and act in line with their international human rights laid down by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights" Omar stated.
Omar Faruk Osman made sincere appeal that the time has come for world community to go with Somali Journalists not only strengthening the voice of Somali journalists but also to make Somali Journalists much stronger and more determined to take on the challenges ahead so that the Somali journalists can make important contributions to Somalia's Transitional Democratization Process and play key role in peace-building efforts.
He expressed NUSOJ's sincere thanking to the French Embassy in Nairobi for its open-handed support for Somali journalists who fled from the violence in the country so that they cannot abandon from the journalistic profession.
Chairperson of East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network Hassan (EHAHRD-Net) Shire Shaik spoke at the event. "Human Rights Defenders, including journalists, in Somalia work in a situation of armed conflict between the Somali government forces supported by the Ethiopian army, and the insurgents, characterised by grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, causing numerous deaths, including amongst their own active members in the past" he said. Particularly the Somalia Journalists have been hardest hit by all sides of the conflict. The TFG has increased its practice of repeated closure of media houses and arrests of journalists by its security forces. Such actions have created an environment where attacks against journalists by the TFG security forces and armed opposition groups in reprisal for their reporting have become commonplace. Intimidation of journalists has become a common practice by all parties to the conflict in Somalia" Hassan added.
"EHAHRD-Net is calling on Transitional Federal Institutions in Somalia to recognize and respect the legitimate role of journalists by ending their ongoing attacks and by according to them effective protection as provided by the Transitional Federal Charter and Article 19 of the UDHR" Hassan declared at the meeting.
Hassan Shire asked The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to conduct independent and impartial investigations into the unlawful killing and increasing threats of violence against journalists and to bring those responsible to internationally accepted fair trial without recourse to death penalty. "The TFG must also put to an end to its practice of repeated closure of media houses and arrests of journalists by its security forces".
The Chairperson of EHAHRD-Net also appealed to all parties to the conflict in South/Central Somalia by saying "We appeal to all parties to the conflict in South/Central Somalia to stop immediately all attacks against civilians and staff members of the AMISOM; to facilitate free access and the work of humanitarian organizations and UN agencies in the country; to adopt a ceasefire without further delay; to respect the right to freedom of speech of journalists and human rights defenders; to continue and reinforce negotiations to create representative national institutions emerging from an inclusive political process as envisaged by the Federal Charter of Transition, with a view to achieving stability, peace and reconciliation in the country.
Paul Gomis, representative for Somalia of the United Nations Organization for Education, Science, Culture and Communication (UNESCO), spoke on behave of UNESCO and Eric Laroche, Coordinator of the UN Country Team Somalia.
"Within its mandate to promote communication UNESCO also takes a keen interest in the work of the media and freedom of expression and we will continue to echo all condemnations of the violence that too often targets the Somali journalists and media organizations" said Paul Gomis. "Without free flow of information and adequate communication; human rights cannot be protected, and violations of such rights will not be reported. Silence is the first sign of encouragement to perpetrators to enjoy impunity. Silence also increases risks that victims will never be able to find ways and means to redress acts posed by perpetrators in the absence of rule of law".
The UNESCO chief also added that Human Rights are basic human non-negotiable common denominators in Somalia as well as in the rest of the World, And it is therefore paramount that Somalia institutions at all levels fully adhere to, and enforce human rights as set by the international community to which they belong to.
"Journalists are responsible for ensuring accurate and proper information of the citizen, and as such they have rights and obligations. While we agree to join hands to increase their level of professionalism, it is worth mentioning that even in cases they oversee their obligations; there are legal frameworks to any unprofessional act. Preventing Somali journalists from doing there work is denying Somalis and their partners their right to information, and subsequently their rights to informed decision. This, sometimes can lead to missing opportunities that could positively improve their lives" Paul Gomis said, who also spoke on behalf of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour.
Representative of Amnesty International also spoke at the event and some of the findings of Amnesty International's mission to Somalia.
Renaud Detalle, Human Rights Adviser of Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Office of UN Country Team Somalia, led and moderated the celebration.
All speakers thanked the French Embassy in Nairobi for sponsoring the event and the journalists' training.
19 OCTOBER 2007
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) today condemns the closing of Radio Garowe in Puntland, northeastern Somalia, and the subsequent arrest of three of its journalists.
Heavily armed security forces of Puntland Regional State stormed the premises of Radio Garowe, and ordered the management to shutdown the radio around 17 hours local time, according to journalists in Garowe and Garoweonline.
The security forces also arrested three journalists of the radio whose names and titles are: Abdi Farah Jama Mire, Director of the Radio; Isse Abdullahi Mohammed, Editor of the Radio; and Mohammed Dahir Yusuf, a Producer.
