The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) strongly welcomes the International Labour Organization (ILO) decision finding that there is gross violation of the right to freedom of association, interference in internal union affairs, arbitrary interrogation of trade unionists and travel restrictions against trade unionists committed by officials of the Government of Somalia against NUSOJ and the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU).

"This is a wonderful victory for NUSOJ and the entire Somali labour movement,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. "This ILO report vindicates our union in that the world tripartite body did discover that there was a serious trade union and human rights violations in Somalia, well documented with evidences and this is quite significant. We feel so vindicated.”

Presented by NUSOJ and FESTU with the backing of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), ILO Governing Body approved on 11 November 2015 conclusions and recommendations put forward by ILO Committee on Freedom of Association which asked the Somali government to refrain from any further interference in NUSOJ and observe the right of the union to administer its own affairs and activities without let or hindrance and in line with the principles of freedom of association and democracy, and to ensure that the elected leaders of the union are free to exercise the mandate given to them by their members and to that extent enjoy the recognition of Government as a social partner. 

ILO deplored the decision of the Somali Minister of Labour to withdraw recognition of the union leaders without providing any information on the basis for this decision or the legal action that was taken to legitimize such a critical decision which should only be made by a judicial body 

Regarding serious multiple intimidations and death threats against the leaders and members of NUSOJ, ILO deeply regretted that the government does not address grave matters of the safety and security of journalists and union leaders, and therefore requires Somali government to take the necessary measures to ensure the protection and guarantee the security of NUSOJ leaders and members, and establish a full and independent judicial inquiry on the allegations of intimidations and death threats affecting them.

Concerning derogatory attacks against union leadership, ILO demands the Somali government officials to refrain from such acts in the future, adding, "The Government must also ensure that the right to freedom of movement is fully respected and enjoyed by the union leaders.” 

To protect trade union rights in a democratic legal framework, ILO requested Somali government to review promptly the Somali Labour Code in consultation with the freely elected social partners with a view to ensuring its full conformity with Conventions Nos 87 and 98 and to provide a full report to the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) to which it refers the legislative aspects.

In rare occasions by the ILO and due to seriousness of trade union rights violations coupled with ignorance of the government about freedom of association, ILO summoned Somali government to come before ILO Committee on Freedom of Association in order to interrogate it more on violations it committed and find out how it implemented recommendations approved by the ILO Governing Body.

"The ILO report and decision are both clear. They confirm interference in trade union work, a violation of the freedom of association and movement, and a contravention of ILO conventions committed in order to deny our union to exist as a free and independent trade union that is not controlled by government,” added Osman.

NUSOJ expresses sincere appreciations to the International Trade Union Community for their undivided support and solidarity in securing this milestone achievement, including their support in both ILO Committee on Freedom of Association and Governing Body. Particularly sincere appreciation goes to the leadership of ITUC, ITUC-Africa and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) for accompanying the union in its campaign to protect human and trade union rights.

It is the first Somalia was taken to the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association and ILO Governing Body since Somali joined the ILO in 1960. ILO is the United Nations agency responsible for drawing up and overseeing international labour standards, including protection and promotion of freedom of association and trade union rights.