HRC- Press release
Somalilandsun – Human Rights Centre congratulates Somaliland journalists on the anniversary of Somaliland Media Day, 9th November 2014. Media is part of the fundamental freedoms of expression as stipulated in article 32 of Somaliland Constitution. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”.
Somaliland constitution prohibits any act that suppresses the media and guarantees independence for the media. Therefore, freedom of expression is granted by the constitution and the international human rights law.
“This year anniversary comes while two media houses, Haatuf and Hubaal are on ban. Furthermore, two journalists are in detention. The two journalists were arrested in Gabiley in 30 and 31 October. Unfortunately they will be brought to court, as scheduled, on 9th November, the anniversary day. Horn Cable TV reporters are restricted from accessing to the government offices and events organized by the government. All of these actions violate the freedom of expression and are contrary to the constitution of Somaliland” says Guleid Ahmed Jam, chairperson of Human Rights Centre.
HRC calls on the government to release the journalists and to lift the ban of the newspapers. The government shall allow Horn Cable TV to operate freely. The government shall respect its constitution.
Contact
Guleid Ahmed Jama
Chairperson
Human Rights Center
Hargeisa Somaliland
www.hrcsomaliland.org
dafac02@hotmail.com
+252 (0) 63 4468227
