Twenty senior journalists from southern and central regions of Somalia, Puntland and Somaliland participated in a Nairobi workshop organized by UNESCO and National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) with the support of Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) from 26th to 30th March 2008.
The journalists learned about International and Regional Instruments for Protection and Promotion of free expression, Access to information held by public authorities and restrictions in the name of public order and national security, Freedom of Expression and Good Governance, professional and ethical reporting standards, Basic Preparation for Working in Hostile Environments, conflict sensitive journalism and Human Rights Sensitive reporting and linkage with accountable governance.
The intensive five-day workshop involved senior editors, presenters, reporters, media executives, photojournalists and leaders of National Union of Somali Journalists and Somaliland Journalists Association.
The media professionals also dealt with issues of training other journalists in the country, media law, media ethics and how far they should go in pursuing a story or lead that could harm people and adversely affect news consumers. Of particular interest were matters of unidentified sources, attribution, gifts and bribes, accuracy and balance, legal matters, privacy and the Internet.
In the opening ceremony, Acting Canadian Ambassador for Somalia, Mr. Dominique Collinge, told Somali journalists that Canada is a strong proponent of the right to freedom of expression and opinion around the world, including a free media. He said it is a right that gives voice to all other freedoms. “While we recognize the complexity of the conflict and the ever-changing situation on the ground, Canada has urged the Transitional Federal Government to take all efforts to protect journalists and other media professionals who are exercising their profession” said Acting Canadian Ambassador for Somalia.
“Only by investigating all attacks on journalists thoroughly, holding to account those who are responsible, and protecting journalists in the conduct of their work, will the TFG be able to protect and promote those values throughout the country” said Mr. Dominique Collinge.
Mr. Hezekiel Dlamini, UNESCO Adviser of Communication and Information in East Africa, welcomed participates and addressed the necessity of his workshop for Somali journalists and Somali media community. “Despite the sometimes difficult and dangerous conditions under which you work, it is expected that as journalists you uphold the highest professional standards in reporting. This workshop should help you enhance these skills and enable you effectively support further in-country training that is planned under this project” he said.
Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) expressed that the workshop and its contents are very important for Somali journalists and are very important for both Canada and UNESCO. “Despite risks and extremely difficult situation in the country, particularly Mogadishu, journalists show dedication to travel to Nairobi and gain skills to help themselves and other colleagues” he said.
“Enhancing our professional standards and keeping on journalistic work in the middle of the conflict and crisis tells people that hate what we say or write that we are not giving up” Omar Faruk said.
