Mogadishu—10 December 2025 (International Human Rights Day)
The United Kingdom’s Human Rights Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Eleanor Sanders, held a high-level meeting last week with Somali civil society representatives to discuss the human rights landscape in Somalia, with a particular focus on press freedom and the protection of women and vulnerable groups.
Among the key participants was Safa Mohamed, Gender and Communication Officer at the Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA). Safa used the platform to spotlight the growing gender-specific challenges faced by women journalists nationwide. She presented findings from the newly released SOMWA State of Women’s Press Freedom Report, which documents a sharp increase in harassment, violence, censorship, and discrimination targeting women in the media.
According to Safa, the overall press freedom environment in Somalia “remains deeply concerning”, with journalists continuing to face arbitrary arrests, intimidation, physical attacks, censorship, and legal harassment from both state and non-state actors. She emphasised that gender-based threats, online abuse, and targeted attempts to silence their reporting disproportionately affect women journalists.
“These escalating violations undermine not only media freedom but also democratic participation and accountability,” Safa noted, adding that the hostile environment restricts women’s safe engagement in public life and limits their ability to contribute to national dialogue.
The meeting formed part of Ambassador Sanders’ first official visit to Somalia. Following her departure, Sanders expressed gratitude to the Somali government, human rights defenders, and civil society organisations for what she described as a “productive visit” to Mogadishu.
She described Mogadishu as a fascinating country that faces complex challenges. “We explored ways to advance dignity and protection for all, particularly women, children, and the media. We look forward to further work together,” wrote Sanders on her X.
As the world marks International Human Rights Day, SOMWA reaffirms its commitment to advancing press freedom, gender equality, and the safety of women journalists across Somalia.
