NUSOJ Welcomes the Adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution on Protection of Journalists

The National Union of Somali Journalists welcomes the move by the UN Security Council to adopt a unanimously a resolution calling on member states to fulfill their obligations as regards to the protection of journalists during the armed conflict and makes it a requirement for UN Peacekeeper operations to provide regular reports on the safety of journalists.

The resolution further affirmed that the work of a free, independent and impartial media constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society.

As part of the greater media community worldwide, Somali journalists experienced brutal attacks that lost the lives of dozens of professional journalists and severe press freedom violations, including torture, oppression, illegal detention, threats, arbitrary arrests forcing hundreds to live in exile. Since 2011, at least 35 media professionals were documented killed in Somalia, making the profession more dangerous, whereas only three cases have so far been resolved.

NUSOJ also welcomes the adoption of UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalist and the Issue of Impunity which is led by UNESCO, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

“We welcome the move by the UN Security Council to adopt this resolution affirming the protection of journalists worldwide.” Mohamed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, “The murder cases against the journalists remain uninvestigated allowing the killers freedom to further commit other crimes”

“Safety of journalists is a major concern in Somalia and we join our forces with Reporters Without Borders in demanding appointing special rapporteur to the UN Secretary-general to monitor the world body’s resolution on journalists safety.“ Mr. Ibrahim added.