The Federal Government of Somalia congratules Somali journalists for their celebration of the International Day for Freedom of Expression 3 May 2017. Somalia is committed and determined to the freedom of expression as enshrined in the article 18 of the provisional constitution.
H.E. Abdirahman Omar Osman (Eng. Yarisow) speaking on the occasion of the International Day for Freedom of Expression stated that Somalia is determined to promote the freedom of expression. Eng. Yarisow said “Somali journalists are brave people that lost their lives for their country and they take part of the rebuilding of the country by providing vital information to the public at all times. Somalia has a vibrant private media that take a role to informing public on key issues that matter to them. Somali media also play a pivotal role to the promotion of human rights, democratization process and rebuilding of the country.”
Ministry of information regularly consults with media leaders and practitioners in order to provide an environment that is conducive for the media practitioners to carry out their duties without fear. As part of these consultations the government has agreed to review the current media law, as there were some concerns from the media practitioners. .
Minister Eng. Yarisow said “I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to those journalists who have lost their lives while in duty for the people and country. On the other hand I plea and urge to media owners to ensure that they provide journalists all the rights such as regular salaries, to protect their lives and to provide regular training to build their capacities.”
Finally Minister Eng. Yarisow encouraged journalists to take part the rebuilding of the country and bringing peace and stability while ensuring that they report objectively, factual and accurate information to public in order to avoid reports of defamation, slander to citizens
