Other Relevant News

 A three day meeting on freedom of expression held in Mogadishu by the civil society:

A three day meeting aimed at forming an umbrella organization to defend freedom of expression in Somalia that brought together 45 organizations including the Somali-speaking PEN was concluded on 13 April 2005 at Suhufi2 hotel in Mogadishu. The meeting was organized by Dr. Ismail Jumale Center for Human Rights, HornAfrik Media, Inc. and Peace Line. After extensive discussions, a committee was formed at the meeting to finalize the objectives and the structures of the new umbrella organization. Another committee was also formed to prepare and by-laws for the umbrella organization.

Dr. Cali Cabdiraxmaan commenting on this meeting has pointed out the maturity of the Somali civil society organizations and characterized the meeting as an important step towards safeguarding the freedom of expression of the Somali people which is much needed. The meeting passed a resolution calling for the formation of this organization within two months.

Reported by Xasan Kaafi Qoyste

HornAfrik, Mogadishu

 Celebrating the Mother Tongue Day: 

On the 21 February 2005, many events celebrating the International Mother Tongue Day had been held in many parts of the world. These celebrations marked the fifth year since UNESCO had recognized the 21 February as the International Day of the Mother Tongue in 1999 to defend and promote the mother tongue of every nation. This day had been commemorated in places like UK, Sweden, and other countries of Europe (see above for more details).