Mogadishu, (insidesomalia.org)-The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) today welcomed the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on Human Rights Situation in Somalia and the approval of new mandate holder for Somalia in the Review, Rationalization and Improvement of Mandate of Independent Expert on Situation of Human Rights in Somalia.

The UN Human Rights Council approved on Wednesday, 26 March, Dr Shamsul Bari, a Bangladeshi lawyer with a long career at UNHCR and a recognized expert in protection of civilians as the new Independent Expert appointed by the UN Secretary-General on Human Rights Situation in Somalia. He will replace Dr Ghanim Alnajjar.

“We welcome the Human Rights Council’s decision of approving Dr. Shamsul Bari and the renewal of the mandate of the independent expert of Human Rights Situation in Somalia as the human rights situation in Somalia seriously needs international attention, both in terms of monitoring and providing cooperation and technical assistance in the field of human rights” said Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists. “We look forward to working closely with him, as well as with the leadership of the Human Rights Council and the rest of the International Community, in protecting and promoting human rights in Somalia”.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Ghanim Alnajjar, retiring Independent Expert of Human Rights Situation in Somalia for all his tireless efforts during his tenure in Somalia” Omar Faruk declared. “On behalf of Somali journalists, we commend Dr Ghanim’s wide-ranging and insightful statements and mission reports and his helpful efforts for protection of Human Rights of Somali People”.

NUSOJ would like to applaud the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG) for its explicit expression of its wish to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert of Human Rights Situation in Somalia and the full support of the African Group of this decision.

The National Union of Somali Journalists also expresses appreciations for this noteworthy decision by the TFG and believes that such spirit can lead the successful accomplishment of the TFG’s primary mandate of restoring security, peace and stability and successful all-inclusive national reconciliation process leading to national elections.

“TFG’s appointment of Ambassador Yusuf Mohammed Ismail as Somalia’s representative to UN Human Rights Council and the government’s support of the renewal of the mandate indicate TFG’s readiness to work in close cooperation with all States and intergovernmental and non‑governmental organizations, as well as with other relevant actors representing the broadest possible range of interests and experiences to pursue advancing the effective protection of human rights in Somalia” Omar Faruk said.

NUSOJ congratulates the African Group, especially Government of Egypt which is holding the presidency of the group, for supporting and moving renewal of this specific mandate as “an important one”.

NUSOJ thanks the Government of Italy for its longstanding efforts of sponsoring and coordinating resolutions concerning situation of human rights in Somalia in UN Human Rights Council and the rest of International Community.

“We reiterate our call for the Transitional Federal Government to end violence and political intolerance against journalists and the media houses” said Omar Faruk. “This is the right time the TFG should ensure a prompt and impartial investigation into each of the attacks against journalists and entire media people hold those responsible to account, and take decisive action to punish security groups involved the violations”.

NUSOJ repeats its call for radical revision to the Media Law as it contravenes international standards of human rights. 17 of the 27 articles of this law are either imprecisely worded or enforce repressive measures against free and independent media.

NUSOJ in cooperation with East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRD-Net), Amnesty International (AI) and Human Rights Watch (HRW) organized side events on Somalia during the 7^th session of UN Human rights Council in Geneva.

PRESS STATEMENT

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