Mogadishu – Marking World Press Freedom Day, the United Nations in Somalia today acknowledged the vital work carried out by the country’s media and reaffirmed its commitment to support efforts to promote and protect its civic space.

“The Somali media play an important role in keeping the public informed and educated, and in order for the media to carry out their duties effectively, they need to be able to work freely and safely. Freedom of expression and press freedom are critical to fostering a strong civic space. The United Nations recognizes the important work the Somali media play in this regard,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, Anita Kiki Gbeho.

Somali journalists and media workers have been threatened, attacked and harassed while working. In 2022, two journalists were killed and five others were injured in connection with their work. Furthermore, 74 journalists were arbitrarily arrested and detained in 2022.

The theme of this year's World Press Freedom Day is ‘Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights,’ and it aims to highlight that professional reporting is necessary for the enjoyment of other human rights because it informs the public about issues and allows them to form their own opinions while also informing them of their rights.