NUSOJ makes submission to UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
MOGADISHU, Somalia, October 28, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) today 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 of freedom of expression, focused on killing of journalists, violence, arrests and threats against media professionals, restrictions of free expression in the pretext of defamation, terrorism or national security, lack of justice system or independent court 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 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 rule of law and guarantee independence of the judiciary, eradicate impunity and decriminalise media offences.
SOURCE
National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)
