The submission documented widespread and routine violations of the right to freedom of expression, particularly freedom of the press.
(NUSOJ/IFEX) – On 28 October 2010, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) provided a submission about widespread and routine violations of the right to freedom of expression, particularly freedom of the press, to the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Somalia will be reviewed during the 11th UPR working group session that will take place from 2 to 13 May 2011.
The submission, which underlines suppression and restrictions on freedom of expression, focused on killings of journalists, violence, arrests and threats against media professionals, restrictions on free expression using the pretext of defamation, terrorism or national security, the lack of a justice system or independent courts of justice and crimes committed against journalists – a pervasive culture of impunity.
Attacks against media by the Transitional Federal Government, Somaliland authorities and Puntland administration, as well as the Islamist groups of Al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam were meticulously presented in the submission.
NUSOJ made a set of recommendations to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, strengthen the rule of law and guarantee the independence of the judiciary, eradicate impunity and decriminalise media offences.
