Embassy Tulip goes to Somali Journalists Syndicate

SJS Among Top 10 Contenders for the Human Rights Tulip Award

Abdalle Mumin (SJS) receiving the Embassy Tulip

Every year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents the Human Rights Tulip award to an individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to defending human rights. This year marked a historic milestone: for the very first time, a contender from Somalia was among the ten global nominees.

Our Embassy had the honour of nominating a candidate whose courageous human rights work in Somalia would receive the Embassy Tulip. Selecting just one was far from easy - every human rights defender in Somalia plays a critical role. However, one organisation stood out for its unparalleled efforts to promote freedom of expression and press freedom: Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS).

Journalists in Somalia operate in an extremely challenging environment, marked by growing impunity and censorship. Despite these risks, their work is essential. They report on climate change, human rights violations, political developments, and the daily realities shaping society, making them indispensable to an informed public. The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) supports these journalists by providing protection, resources, and advocacy to ensure that their vital stories continue to reach the public.

Building on this support, SJS works closely with partners like our Embassy to strengthen press freedom and provide legal and emergency assistance to journalists facing obstacles. By creating a safer and more resilient environment for media workers, SJS helps safeguard freedom of expression throughout Somalia and ensures that critical reporting can continue.

Somali journalist and SJS Executive Director, Abdalle Mumin, attended the ceremony at the Ambassador’s residence to accept the Embassy Tulip on behalf of all Somali journalists. Abdalle himself has been kidnapped and imprisoned for his unwavering advocacy for media freedom. His resilience is a powerful testament to the courage of journalists across the country.

In his speech, the Ambassador underscored the essential role of journalism in any society, reminding us that “when citizens lose their right to know, democracy loses its foundation.”

"when citizens lose their rigth to know, democracy loses its foundation"

the panel conversation with Nimo Jirdeh and Abdalle Mumin

During the event, a panel conversation Abdalle Mumin was joined by Nimo Jirdeh, who is the executive director of Acacia Dialogue Center. By drawing inspiration from the indigenous African wisdom to engage in meaningful and communal conversation, the two of them held a conversation under the shade of trees. It was a rare opportunity to hear directly from two leading voices on human rights and media freedom in Somalia.

During the panel conversation, Abdalle Mumin spoke about the realities of journalism in Somalia, describing the constant balancing act between reporting the truth and navigating risks. “Journalism in Somalia is not just a profession,” he said. “Journalism in Somalia is not just a profession, it is an act of courage”. He reflected on his own arrest and detention, emphasizing that such attacks are not just against individuals but serve as warnings to all journalists, highlighting the importance of solidarity.

Turning to solutions, Abdalle outlined the Somali Journalists Syndicate’s (SJS) vital role in providing legal support, emergency assistance, and advocacy for safer working conditions. He stressed the importance of independent structures that can defend journalists when institutions fail and called for continued international support to strengthen media freedom and protect those who speak truth to power.

SJS is a strong contender for Somalia and we wish them the very best as they now compete for the Human Rights Tulip at the international level in The Hague!