Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) concluded on Monday 14 February, 2022,a three-day human rights journalism trainingin Baidoa. The training was attended by 22 journalists (9 female and 13 male) from independent and state-run media in South West State of Somalia.

The training, sponsored by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), focused on topics related to human rights reporting for journalists such as: understanding human rights principles, international frameworks on human rights, local human rights laws, and prioritising human rights issues for local and national media to defend key human rights issues including but not limited to women and child rights, minority rights, the disabled people’s rights, internally displaced people (IDPs) and the right to freedom of expression.

During the training, participants had extensive discussions on the safety and security implications for journalists covering human rights reporting, monitoring, documenting and reporting human rights violations. Majority of the participants had not previously received training on human rights.

At hisclosing remarks, Omar Mustafa Nur, one of the directors of the Ministry of Information of the South West State (SWS) reiterated the importance of protecting the human rights of the local population and the protection of the vulnerable communities through media reporting.

"Human rights are a God-given privileges to all humans and they are inalienable; indivisible. Journalists must protect and also educate their audience on this. Many of our community members are vulnerable to abuses but unfortunately media coverage is limited or non-existence when it comes to exposing human rights violations,” said Omar Mustafa "I praise SJS team for their decision to train journalists in South West State. I urge the trainees to apply what they have learned in the training.”

Mr. Hilal Sheikh Shueyb, the Chairman of the Somali Media Association (SOMA)admittedthat the local media coverage on human rights remains low, citing the fact that most journalists could not differentiate between human rights and other social issues.

"Our media is growing fast, and more journalists are joining into the profession every day, but there are few training and mentorship opportunities available to them. I am pleased that SS has focused on changing the working conditions and knowledge of Somali journalists in general,”added Mr. Hilal. "Human rights journalism is a topic that is in great demand for journalists. Journalists are human rights defenders, so I urge all journalists to give priority to human rights issues in their coverage.”

Addressing at the participants, SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin expressed gratitude to the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) for which without it the training would not have been possible. He assured to provide advice and mentorship to journalists who have completed the training as they join a network of more than100 Somali human rights journalistsestablished by SJS to monitor, collaboratively investigate, document, and report on human rights violations in the country.

"This training is part of a series of six rounds of trainings for journalists on human rights reporting. With the support of the National Endowment for Democracy, we have been able to reach up to 150 journalists in six regions across Somalia,” Mr. Mumin said.

"I am optimistic that human rights situation will improve as you undertake your responsibilities as human rights defenders through courageous and truthful journalism. I am convinced that it is a great responsibility that you will fulfil,” added Mr. Mumin.