Our Executive Director, Maryan Seylac, attended the UK Media Freedom Forum in London, organised by the Foreign Policy Centre, the Justice for Journalists Foundation, and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, in partnership with City St George’s, University of London. The forum brought together journalists, policymakers, lawyers, and media advocates to discuss the growing threats facing independent journalism worldwide.
Sessions focused on the realities of reporting in conflict-affected regions and on safeguarding press freedom from legal intimidation, disinformation campaigns, surveillance technologies, and transnational pressure targeting journalists and media organisations. The speakers emphasised that attacks on the media are increasing globally.
Chris Elmore, the UK Parliament undersecretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, warned that “media is under attack,” stressing that independent journalism plays a crucial role in conflict-affected countries by providing reliable information and holding power to account.
He also emphasised the growing use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) to suppress journalists, resulting in a deterrent effect that hinders investigative reporting. Journalist and author Michela Wrong reflected on the realities of reporting in restrictive environments, noting that the concept of a completely independent journalist is often challenged by political pressures and security risks.
She also raised concerns about the use of spyware technologies in several countries to monitor and target journalists and NGO workers, posing a serious threat to press freedom and personal safety. Legal experts at the forum discussed how journalists frequently face detention, harassment, and even death simply for doing their work.
One speaker observed that working with the media itself can make individuals targets, and in some cases authorities use intimidation tactics, such as threatening or coercing family members to force journalists or activists to cooperate with governments. Renault Gaudin De Villaine from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights highlighted how laws are increasingly “weaponised” against journalists through criminal defamation, financial investigations, and other legal tools designed to intimidate them.
He also noted the rise of digital harassment and financial pressure as mechanisms to silence critical reporting. The forum underscored the indispensable role of independent journalism in times of conflict. Sergiy Tomilenko, President of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, powerfully stated that “if independent journalists survive, truth survives.” His remarks reflected the experience of journalists working under extreme conditions during war. Media leaders also spoke about the increasing barriers facing global news organisations.
Liz Gibbons, executive director of long-form and investigations at the BBC, noted that the broadcaster has been blocked in several countries, while investigative journalists continue to face significant risks when exposing corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations. Participants also drew attention to the alarming number of journalists killed in recent conflicts. Speakers noted that more than 200 journalists have reportedly been killed in Gaza, while the crisis in Sudan has received far less international attention despite its severe impact on journalists and civilians.
Discussions highlighted what many referred to as a “prevention gap”—the failure of the international community to act early enough to protect journalists and prevent escalating violence. For Somalia, these discussions are particularly relevant. In Somalia, insecurity, political volatility, and limited legal protections continue to place journalists at significant risk. Threats range from armed violence and intimidation to legal harassment and online abuse.
Maryan Seylac’s participation in the UK Media Freedom Forum demonstrated the urgent need for stronger legal protections, international solidarity, and practical support for independent media in Somalia and other conflict-affected contexts. Ensuring the safety of journalists and defending press freedom remain essential for protecting democracy, accountability, and the public’s right to information.
