UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

04/07/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/06/2021 16:54

UNESCO Strengthens Safety of Journalists ahead of Elections in Somalia

A training workshop on safety of journalists during election period was organized from 28 to 29 March 2021 by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) with the support of UNESCO through the Multi Donor programme on freedom of expression and safety of journalists (MDP), and in close collaboration with the Somali National Commission for UNESCO.

The two-day training aimed at equipping participants with knowledge on safety challenges faced during the course of their duties. Planning for personal security, risk assessment, security in transit and digital security during elections coverage were also core component of this training, coupled with assessment of specific safety risks faced by female journalists during elections, and the gender sensitiveness in election reporting as a whole.

Ms. Ann Therese Ndong-Jatta, Director and Representative of UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa highlighted the importance of elections for democratic society and the key role of free and independent media play in this process as well as a safe environment for journalists to work.