SJS conducts human rights journalism training in Garowe

Lack
of dedicated human rights focusing media and the low skill of local
journalists remain as the main challenge against the promotion of the
culture of human rights in Somalia. Tapping into the vital role that
journalists can play in— not only as advocates but also as trainers
through human rights education— can help to protect the effective
enjoyment of human rights in Somalia.

“Human
rights journalists in Somalia face security threats, economic hardship
as well as inadequate skill-based trainings. This training aims to build
the capacity of our human rights journalists and to prepare local
journalists as human rights journalists’ trainers. On behalf of SJS and
the human rights journalists network, I am grateful to the National
Endowment for Democracy (NED) for the support they have provided us,”
SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin said.

Lawmaker Mohamed Ahmed Abdi, a member of the Puntland parliament’s human rights committee emphasised the need for protection of journalists as a public interest group. He
noted provisions of the federal and Puntland constitutions that
guarantee the work and independence of journalists.

“Journalists
are indeed the public interest watchdogs. They are the ones who make it
possible for the society to develop solutions to the existing problems.
I want to call for respect and protection of the journalists,” lawmaker
Abdi said “I praise the journalists of Puntland who serve for their
people with absolute courage. The human rights committee of the Puntland
Parliament stands in solidarity with the journalists whenever they are
threatened.”

Minister of Information and Culture of the Federal Member State of Puntland, Mohamud Aidid Dirir acknowledged the role of the independent media in the transformation of the society
and building a peaceful community that achieves sustainable development.
He also praised SJS journalists’ training activity in Puntland.

“The
training of journalists is vital to build the skills of journalists to
adapt to the changes that are taking place in our country— both at the
federal level and at Puntland level. In Puntland, we are in the midst of
the democratisation process that requires public awareness through the
media. Journalists are also important to raise awareness on issues such
as security and climate change which is affecting the people’s human
rights,” minister Dirir added “We are very grateful to SJS and NED for
providing this training to journalists in Puntland.”

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