Hanad Ali Guled, Chairman and Spokesperson of Safe Reporters of Somalia (SRS), is participating in a specialized two-day training workshop organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Mogadishu, Somalia.
The training focuses on “Strengthening the Capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on Civic Space and Engagement with International and Regional Human Rights Mechanisms.” The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations to promote and protect civic space, advance human rights, and engage effectively with international and regional human rights mechanisms.
The workshop provides an important platform for civil society representatives to deepen their understanding of international human rights standards, monitoring and reporting procedures, advocacy strategies, and the mechanisms available to address human rights concerns. It also seeks to encourage constructive engagement between civil society organizations and relevant national, regional, and international institutions in advancing the protection of fundamental freedoms.
Through this initiative, OHCHR highlights the vital role played by civil society organizations in promoting accountability, protecting fundamental rights, and creating an enabling environment for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and public participation. CSOs are essential partners in documenting human rights violations, raising awareness, advocating for policy reforms, and ensuring that the concerns of affected communities are brought to the attention of relevant authorities and international mechanisms.
As a key stakeholder in Somalia’s media freedom and human rights advocacy landscape, Safe Reporters of Somalia’s participation reflects the organization’s continued commitment to defending press freedom, safeguarding journalists, promoting freedom of expression, and strengthening the protection of civic space across the country.
The participation of SRS Chairman and Spokesperson Hanad Ali Guled also represents an opportunity to enhance the organization’s knowledge of international human rights frameworks and strengthen its capacity to document and report violations affecting journalists, media professionals, and other civil society actors. Such knowledge is crucial in ensuring that human rights concerns are communicated effectively and that relevant mechanisms are utilized to support the protection of fundamental freedoms.
Furthermore, the training underscores the importance of collaboration among civil society organizations, human rights institutions, media stakeholders, and international partners in addressing challenges that affect civic space in Somalia. Stronger cooperation, effective reporting, and evidence-based advocacy can contribute to greater accountability and help create a safer and more enabling environment for journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society actors.
Safe Reporters of Somalia (SRS) reaffirms its commitment to working with national and international partners to promote human rights, protect journalists, defend freedom of expression, and strengthen civic space in Somalia. Through continued capacity-building, strategic advocacy, and engagement with international and regional human rights mechanisms, SRS aims to contribute to the advancement of fundamental freedoms and the protection of those who work to inform the public and defend human rights.
