National Human Rights Commission Receives State of the Media Report; NUSOJ Urges Decisive Action on Media Freedom Violations

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) today held a high-level meeting with the National Independent Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) of Somalia, led by its Chairperson, Dr Maryan Qasim, during which it formally presented its 2025 State of the Media Report. The report documents 72 verified media freedom violations recorded between January and December 2025, pointing to a media environment under sustained pressure and systemic repression.

The report outlines a range of violations, including arbitrary arrests, intimidation, physical violence and restrictions on journalistic work. A total of 70 cases directly targeted individual journalists, while two cases involved media houses, showing that both media professionals and institutions continue to operate under threat. NUSOJ submitted these findings to ensure that such violations are formally recognised and addressed within the national human rights system.

Serious concern was raised over the persistence of impunity and the gravity of abuses, including the killing of a journalist in 2025. These incidents highlight the continued risks faced by journalists and reflect clear violations of the right to freedom of expression. The report further shows that violations are widespread, with a significant concentration in Banadir and Hargeisa, underlining the scale and urgency of the situation.

Discussions during the meeting focused on the need for stronger accountability mechanisms and more effective institutional responses. NUSOJ stressed that many violations, particularly those involving arrests and harassment by security actors, continue without proper investigation or prosecution, allowing a pattern of abuse to persist.

The NIHRC Chairperson, flanked by the Commission’s leadership, commissioners and director general, welcomed the submission and acknowledged the importance of the State of the Media Report and confirmed that the Commission will review its findings in line with its mandate to promote and protect human rights. She emphasised that freedom of expression, and media freedom in particular, will receive focused attention given the repeated attacks against journalists. She further noted that NUSOJ’s work as a leading media freedom organisation complements the efforts of the Commission.

Speaking at the meeting, NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman said: “The findings of this report are based on internationally recognised standards of verification and documentation of media freedom cases, and leave no room for doubt. Journalists in Somalia continue to face serious and repeated violations, often at the hands of those mandated to protect them. Given its established legal mandate, we expect the National Independent Human Rights Commission to ensure these cases are thoroughly examined, accountability is pursued, and concrete measures are taken to end impunity and protect freedom of expression.”

NUSOJ assured the National Independent Human Rights Commission of its commitment to close cooperation, strengthening collaboration and complementarity in promoting and protecting fundamental human rights.