The free press is a cornerstone of democracy. People have a
need to know. Journalists have a right to tell. A free Press, at
its best, reveals the truth.     – The Newseum, Washington, DC

Somalia: UNESCO Chief Condemns Murder of Somali Journalist

[Media News]

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Afrique en Ligne

Ms. Irina Bokova, the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), on Tuesday condemned the murder of a journalist in Somalia and called for measures to improve the safety of media professionals in the Horn of Africa country.

Hassan Osman Abdi, 29, a journalist and director of the Shabelle Media Network, a private radio and television network, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on Saturday at his home in the capital, Mogadishu.

A statement made available to PANA in New York quoted Bokova as saying the murder of Hassan Osman Abdi 'is a severe blow' to a country where the media have paid a heavy price for exercising the human right to freedom of expression.

She said the death of journalists undermined the right of people to be kept informed.

She also noted that Somalia's reconciliation and reconstruction would not take place without securing respect for these two rights.

The UNESCO chied urged the Somali authorities to take urgent measures to improve the safety of journalists and investigate the murder of Abdi, who was reportedly shot by five gunmen after arriving home from Radio Shabelle, where he worked on political issues.

The UN agency also said some 21 Somali journalists and other media professionals had been listed on UNESCO's dedicated web page 'UNESCO Remembers Assassinated Journalists' since 2006.

Last year, UNESCO provided equipment and training on safety, conflict-sensitive journalism and humanitarian reporting to more than 40 media professionals in Somalia.

It said that the training was intended to enhance the quality and flow of information on humanitarian issues to audiences inside Somalia and to Somali refugees in camps in neighbouring countries.

In 2010, UNESCO, in collaboration with Radio Netherlands Training Centre, provided training to 20 Somali community radio journalists, helping them to improve their ability to work in an environment of conflict.
 
http://www.afriquejet.com/new-york-unesco-chief-condemns-murder-of-somal... ">Read original article>>

Back to Media News