Strengthening Humanitarian Information Flow through Media in Somalia and among Somali Displaced Communities
Since the outbreak of war in 1991, Somalia has ranked among the world's most dangerous and violent countries. With many journalists fleeing the country, this had a massive negative effect on the amount and quality of news coverage of the political and humanitarian crisis. Access to verified and relevant information within Somalia and in neighboring refugee camps is difficult and with the conflict continuing into its 20th year, it is becoming increasingly important to bring about change to the situation. The United Nations news agency, Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN) has a humanitarian information broadcast which is aired for one hour per day across Somalia and the Somali Diaspora using a network of stringers working within Somalia under very difficult circumstances. In this project, the organization, IMS, has brought together IRIN and a Kenyan-based Somali broadcaster, 'Star FM' in order to enhance the quality and flow of humanitarian information within Somalia and its neighbouring refugee camps in Dadaab and Northern Kenya. This partnership will also involve a number of other humanitarian organizations and their refugee beneficiaries. In carrying out this aim, transmitting equipment will be provided and at least 40 journalists will receive training in safety issues and conflict-sensitive journalism & humanitarian reporting, as well as producing two hours of programming content. This will enhance the capacity of Star FM to transmit relevant humanitarian information to the two million internally displaced persons and refugees in and around Somalia who are otherwise deprived of their fundamental right to information. OBJECTIVE To provide transmitting equipment and training to at least 40 journalists in Safety Issues and Conflict-Sensitive Journalism & Humanitarian Reporting in order to enhance the quality and flow of humanitarian information in Somalia and neighbouring refugee camps.