Garowe, Puntland, Somalia: 2nd June 2015:- Media Association of Puntland (MAP) cordially welcomed the call by Bahame Tom Mukirya Nyanduga, The United Nations Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia to Federal government and regional authorities on Human Rights and Protection of journalists.
Speaking at Geneva, Switzerland after his second mission to the Federal Republic of Somalia from 22 to 29 May, Mr. Bahame Nyanduga urged the Somali federal and regional authorities to ensure civil society and the media can enjoy freedom of expression.
“Somali journalists are often harassed, arrested, censored, even imprisoned, and media organizations are closed down,” said Bahame Nyanduga
“Such incidents risk having a chilling effect on this basic right, particularly essential at a time when Somalia moves towards finalizing its State-building process,” the expert said. “I call on the Government to put in place a legal framework that guarantees the freedom of the media, to practice their profession free of intimidation, harassment and imprisonment.”
MAP severally expressed concern over the continued attacks on Somali journalists while on duty.
The United Nations Independent Expert on the situation of human rights for Somalia’s call to the Federal government and other regional authorities comes amid wave of threats and arrests against journalists on duty in various parts of Somalia.
