FESOJ Concluded training on improving and strengthening press freedom, freedom of expression and journalist professionalism

Mogadishu, Monday, April 25, 2022: Thirty journalists from various media outlets have concluded a two-day training in Mogadishu on improving and strengthening press freedom, freedom of expression and journalist professionalism.

The training conducted in partnership with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) has been held from 24th to 25th April 2022 at Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia.

” During the two-day training program, we will focus on discussions on press freedom, freedom of expression, and journalist’s professionalism to celebrate the forthcoming 3rd May, marking the annual World Press Freedom Day.” Farah Omar Nur, Secretary-General of FESOJ, pointed out his official opening remarks.

“FESOJ intends to convene a one-day roundtable discussion on press freedom in Somalia in commemoration for the World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2022.” Farah Omar stated

“A journalist who does not know Universal Human Rights Declaration is like a student without a book and pen. There is a need to equip local journalists with an advanced knowledge related to the declaration mainly on Article 19, which specifically related to the journalist and shed light on those who failed to implement and violate basic human rights.” During the opening remarks, Mohamed Adde, BBC Veteran and media trainer, indicated.

During the two- –day training sessions, all the participants were taken through the key topics:
Freedom of Expression and Public Order, Limitations of freedom expression, Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Article 19, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Article 19, Safety Guide for journalists the rule of law.

At the end of the training, FESOJ distributed a booklet on the rights of journalists to the participants.

In his closing remarks, Farah Omar Nur, Secretary-General of FESOJ has appreciated UNSOM for making it possible to implement the two–day training program to raise journalists’ concern over the impunity of crimes against journalists in Somalia, and renew the call for the protection of media freedom, freedom of expression and improve the journalist professionalism.

Su’ad Abdiaziz, a female journalists participant, working in Mogadishu, pointed out the training workshop has improved her capacity as a local reporter and is expected to further strengthen the environment for press freedom, freedom of expression and journalist professionalism.

In addition, Mohamed Ahmed, one of the participating journalists, has indicated that the participants were provided with a platform to share knowledge and experience on press freedom, freedom of expression, universal human rights declaration, and journalist professionalism.

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