The ceremony, held on International Human Rights Day, December 10, marked a historic moment for SJS and for Somalia’s media freedom movement. On behalf of SJS, the local Tulip Award was received by SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.
This recognition comes only three years after SJS endured one of its darkest periods. In Mogadishu, the SJS office was violently raided; its Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin, was abducted, tortured, and held in an inhumane underground cell. What followed was prolonged persecution and a sham trial designed to intimidate the voices defending press freedom and human rights in Somalia.
Yet, three years later—far from the dangers of Mogadishu and in the heart of The Hague—SJS delegates were warmly welcomed and celebrated. Standing alongside ten renowned human rights defenders and organizations from around the world, representing diverse languages, contexts, and struggles, we reaffirmed a universal truth: human rights are inalienable rights for all people.
This statement was echoed by the Netherlands Human Rights Ambassador, Wim Geerts, who stated that “justice and peace can only be achieved when there is respect for human rights.”
As the world marks the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the position of SJS remains firm. Our resilience is rooted in an unshakeable conviction that truth, dignity, and justice are worth defending—regardless of the cost. Even when silenced, targeted, and dragged before hostile courts, SJS refused to abandon its mission.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award. For the Somali Journalists Syndicate, this recognition represents not only our members but the entire Somali journalism community. It inspires us to double our efforts and continue our work with even greater determination,” said SJS President Mohamed Ibrahim.
“The tulip award achievement is not only ours—it is a victory for human rights defenders across the globe, especially those working under threat, in conflict zones, and in the most challenging environments,” added Mr. Ibrahim.
SJS expresses its sincere gratitude to the Human Rights Tulip organizers, the Dutch government, and the welcoming people of the Netherlands. We congratulate all fellow Tulip Award winners from Sudan, Yemen, Palestine, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Colombia, Chile, Hungry and Ukraine.