Human Rights

UNCAC Coalition expresses concern regarding judicial action against Somali Journalists Syndicate

The UNCAC Coalition, a network of more than 400 civil society organizations worldwide, today expressed concern regarding a recent judicial decision by Somali authorities to freeze the bank accounts of media freedom organization, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), a member of the UNCAC Coalition…

Somaliland's Berbera city imposes sharia dress code on its employees

BERBERA – In a move that has stirred controversy and drawn both support and criticism, the local government of Berbera, a picturesque coastal city in Somaliland, has imposed a sharia dress code on its male and female employees, as reported by Kaab TV.

SJS joins Mogadishu journalists in unity to defend press freedom against government interference and threats

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Today, the Mogadishu journalists, editors, and directors, joined by the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) concluded three-day consultations held in Mogadishu discussing the emergency requirement to safeguard independent media, freedom of speech, and the safety of journalists…

Families of drone strike victims face threats amid calls for justice in Somalia

MOGADISHU – Following the release of an investigation by Amnesty International into a Turkish drone strike that claimed the lives of 23 civilians in Lower Shabelle, families of the victims have reported facing threats and harassment, highlighting the challenges they continue to endure.

Exodus of Parliament Staff Signals Deepening Crisis in Somalia's Federal Parliament

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - Amid a backdrop of escalating insecurity and worsening economic conditions in Somalia's capital, six senior and mid-ranking staff members of the Federal Parliament have fled the country, seeking exile abroad, sources close to the matter informed Horn Observer.

Death of 23 Somali civilians by Turkish drone strikes may amount to war crimes - Amnesty

NAIROBI - Two strikes that killed 23 civilians during Somali military operations supported by Turkish drones must be investigated as war crimes, Amnesty International said today.

Controversial Somali court decision grants immunity to perpetrator of human rights abuses

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – Last week, the Mogadishu court faced criticism for releasing a police officer accused of perpetrating serious crimes against vulnerable communities, raising concerns about accountability for human rights violations in Somalia.

Somalia Floods: 7 dead, over 8,300 displaced as humanitarians sound alarm

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Floods have ravaged parts of Somalia, claiming the lives of seven individuals and displacing a staggering 8,376 people, according to the latest report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

World Press Freedom Day 2024: SJS urges all stakeholders to stand united in protecting journalists and ending the impunity that threatens media freedom

MOGADISHU, Somalia 3 May 2024 – On World Press Freedom Day 2024, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) reiterates its call for the protection of journalists and press freedom in the country amidst increased threats and intimidation aimed at suppressing journalists and impeding critical reporting.…

East and Southern Africa: Journalists targeted amid ongoing crackdown on media

NAIROBI - Authorities across East and Southern Africa continued to impose severe restrictions on the right to freedom of expression and media freedom over the past year, said Amnesty International on World Press Freedom Day.