This archive report was first published on 3 September 2021.
Journalists in Somalia face numerous threats, but the lack of legal protection is their biggest concern, according to the National Union of Somali Journalists (Nusoj).
On September 1, 2021, the United Nations launched the Network of Media Lawyers, a programme sponsored by UNESCO, to defend journalists and news media organizations facing unwarranted political attacks.
The network, established on Monday, will initially include 15 lawyers, two of whom are women, based in various regions of Somalia, including Puntland, South West, Jubbaland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Mogadishu.
These regions have seen some of the harshest detentions of journalists on the continent, often due to poor defence or lack of legal fees. Nusoj officials have also complained of attacks and killings of journalists.
“Journalists and news media organizations need to know there is a pool of capable and well-informed professionals available to defend their rights if and when required,” said Omar Farouk Osman, Secretary-General of Nusoj.
UNESCO has trained the lawyers to defend journalists and news media organizations on a pro bono basis, aiming to reverse the trend of nearly all cases involving journalists ending in convictions.
Andrea Cairola, Programme Specialist at UNESCO’s Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, said the agency is committed to supporting the programme to protect basic rights.
“Unesco is committed to continue supporting judicial stakeholders in Somalia, and Africa, in taking key decisions on issues related to freedom of expression, as well as prosecuting crimes and attacks against journalists, to promote and protect this fundamental right,” he said.
