Somalia recently hosted its first-ever National Human Rights Summit in Mogadishu, organized by the Ministry of Family Affairs and Human Rights Development. This landmark event underscores the government’s commitment to addressing escalating human rights concerns, particularly the suppression of freedom of speech and press freedoms.
The summit convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society representatives, journalists, and international partners, to deliberate on strategies for enhancing human rights protections. Key discussions centered on empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) to actively participate in human rights advocacy and to collaborate effectively with state institutions. Participants emphasized the importance of expanding civic space and ensuring that CSOs can voice critical human rights concerns, thereby contributing to Somalia’s reconstruction and democratization efforts.
Despite these initiatives, challenges persist. Reports indicate that from May 2023 to May 2024, there were 28 documented cases of violence against Somali journalists, including the tragic deaths of three journalists. Alarmingly, only one of these cases has resulted in justice being served, highlighting a pervasive culture of impunity. The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has also reported 52 instances of attacks on journalists in 2024 alone, encompassing physical assaults, arbitrary arrests, and harassment. These incidents underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect media personnel and uphold press freedom.
In response to these challenges, the Somali government has taken steps to align national laws with international human rights standards. Measures include the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate crimes against journalists and the establishment of a hotline for reporting such incidents. Additionally, efforts are underway to provide specialized training for security forces and legal professionals on the importance of free speech.
The National Human Rights Summit represents a significant stride toward fostering a culture of accountability and respect for human rights in Somalia. However, sustained efforts and tangible actions are essential to translate these commitments into meaningful improvements on the ground.
