Observation of World Press Freedom Day 2024

In observation of World Press Freedom Day, the Human Rights Center would like to extend our
gratitude to Somaliland journalists and media actors for their diligent work in creating and
fostering an open and free media. As we observe this momentous journey of 31 years of
protecting and promoting World Press Freedom Day globally, the Human Rights Center would
like to commend Somaliland’s journalists and media actors for their efforts in imparting
information and the pursuit of truth and facts to our nation. Somaliland’s media has come a long
way in being free and open. However, today as we celebrate these efforts, the center would like
to reflect on the amount of work that is needed for a more inclusive and free media in
Somaliland. In these past years, Somaliland’s media has come under repressive attacks, with a
clear intention to suppress and crack down on free media. Additionally, these tactics include
increased arbitrary arrests, detention in illegal facilities, torture, intimidation, and harassment of
journalists and media personnel. Other tactics include a complete telecommunication shutdown,
most notably in the protest demonstration in 2022 and repressive legislation. As a nation, our
commitment should be to safeguard media and journalists for a freer democratic state. With this
in mind, the Center would like to commend journalists and media actors for their dedication and
commitment to protecting free media in Somaliland and persevering amid a hostile environment
with their lives and livelihood, especially as they cover environmental disasters such as the
wildfires in Daallo Mountains in Sanaag region in July 2022.
The Human Rights Center reiterates its commitment to give insight into the rights of the
individual and protection of human rights, including free media and the right to freedom of
expression for all.

Yasmin Omar H. Mohamoud
Chairperson of the Human Rights Center

Hargeisa, Somaliland
hrcsomaliland@gmail.com
Twitter: @hrcsomaliland