Canada backs Somalia’s push to combat GBV and protect journalists

Somalia marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists with renewed calls for justice, accountability and stronger protection for women journalists.

The national commemoration, organised by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) through the Canadian High Commission in Nairobi, was held under the theme: “Tackling Impunity: Combating Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Against Women Journalists.”

The event brought together government officials, diplomats, UN agencies, civil society and media professionals, underscoring the urgent need to uphold press freedom in Somalia.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hassan Moalim Mahmoud opened the ceremony, reaffirming the government’s resolve to end impunity for crimes against journalists.

He announced that Somalia is reviewing its 60-year-old Penal Code, long criticised for restricting media freedom.

“This Penal Code will change,” he said.

“It will protect journalists and uphold your rights and freedoms.”

International partners expressed support for Somalia’s efforts. In a solidarity message, German Ambassador Sebastian Groth said Germany remains committed to media freedom and accountability, noting its contribution to the Global Media Defence Fund, which has supported NUSOJ.

Canada’s Ambassador-designate to Somalia, Joshua Tabah, speaking virtually, highlighted Canada’s commitment to gender equality and the safety of women journalists.

He said Canada, through CFLI, is helping Somali media institutions address gender-based violence and foster safer newsroom environments.

Italian Ambassador Pier Mario D’Acci and African Union Special Representative Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene also reaffirmed their institutions’ support for journalist safety and media rights in Somalia.

UNESCO Regional Adviser Misako Ito delivered the keynote address, commending NUSOJ’s role in defending press freedom and confronting digital harassment.

She called for stronger action against online abuse and AI-driven gender-based violence, stressing that technology must be a tool for empowerment, not intimidation.

Panel discussions focused on digital harassment, legal reforms and accountability mechanisms to protect women journalists.

Participants also reviewed the Media Charter on Combating Gender-Based Violence, developed by NUSOJ and UNFPA.

NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman urged collective action to end impunity, condemning online and physical attacks against women journalists as “abhorrent acts that must never go unpunished.”

Somalia Women Journalists Association (SOMWA) Executive Director Maryan Seylac echoed the call for justice and protection.

The event concluded with the launch of a new NUSOJ project, funded by CFLI, aimed at building journalists’ capacity to report on gender-based violence and promoting safer, more inclusive media workplaces.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to work together—government, media and international partners—to ensure journalists in Somalia can work freely, safely and without discrimination.