By Laura Tribe

Although we face significant free expression challenges here in Canada, at times we can find ourselves taking our rights and freedoms for granted. It is important to remember the struggles that our peers face around the world, trying to protect press freedom and report issues in the public interest.

One of our colleagues at IFEX, Caro Rolando, has published a great podcast providing background on the recent closure of two independent newspapers in Somaliland. The critical role of independent media is highlighted through interviews with press freedom experts working in the region. The podcast highlights the importance of media in ensuring government transparency and accountability, as well as the perils of speaking out in countries that fail to protect your rights.

Featuring interviews with:

• • Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary-General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)
• • Tom Rhodes, East Africa consultant for the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
• • Mohamed Abdi Gulied (Curad), Vice-Chairman of the Somaliland Journalist Association (SOLJA)

Listen below, or visit IFEX for more information on the free expression situation in Somaliland.

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Laura Tribe is CJFE’s National Programs Coordinator. You can follow her on Twitter @ltribe.