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News from the Field: Strengthening media capacity for democracy and human rights in Somalia

Freedom of the press is a casualty in Somalia’s prolonged armed conflict. Professional media have a vital role to play in efforts to build peace, establish effective governance and develop a democratic system.

To support this process, UNDEF funds the National Union of Somali Journalists' project “Strengthening Somali Media Capacity for Democracy and Human Rights”. Within the project framework, the Union organized a workshop on Ethical Journalism and Role of Journalism in Society in Mogadishu on 20 - 22 January. Thirty journalists, including 11 women, took part in the event, which commemorated Somali Press Day on 21 January.

The participants expressed their determination to pursue ethical journalism despite considerable risks, pressures and deliberate violations of their rights. They also pledged to work as advocates for the right of the media to work in freedom from private, commercial and political interference, for the safety and security of journalists, and for solidarity with victimized journalists.

By organizing workshops across the country on the norms, values, tools, standards, and practices of journalism, the project strives to provide professional training and development opportunities to Somali media professionals and to empower women journalists. It aims to educate more than 250 Somali journalists in good governance and human rights values and to create and equip a media centre. Participants come from print, radio, television and internet media.

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