The House of Representatives of the Republic of Somaliland hosted a high-level consultative meeting at its headquarters in Hargeisa to deliberate on the amended Somaliland Press Law, which is currently in its final stage before parliamentary approval. The primary focus of the meeting was to align the law with the evolving needs of the media sector and ensure that it serves as a progressive legal framework to safeguard and enhance press freedom in Somaliland.

Participants:
The meeting was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• • • The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yasin Haji Mohamud Xiir (Faratoon)
    • The Deputy Chair of the Public Affairs Committee
    • Heads of press organizations and media associations
    • Representatives from human rights organizations
    • Directors of television stations
    • Independent journalists and other media professionals

Key Discussion Points and Recommendations:
During the meeting, media representatives proposed several key recommendations to improve the current draft of the Press Law:

1. 1. Establishment of a National Press Commission:
      Participants called for the creation of an independent commission to regulate and oversee media operations, ensuring accountability and professionalism in the sector.
   2. Clarification of Licensing Authority and Journalist Definition:
      It was recommended that the law clearly define the entities responsible for media licensing and provide a precise definition of who qualifies as a journalist. This would eliminate ambiguity and promote transparency in the licensing process.
   3. Emphasis on Civil Legal Procedures:
      Stakeholders emphasized that the law should be grounded in civil procedures rather than criminal penalties, thus upholding the right to freedom of expression while ensuring media responsibility.
   4. Harmonization with Other Relevant Laws:
      Participants recommended that the Press Law be reviewed in conjunction with other existing and pending laws—such as the Penal Code and the Cybercrime Bill—to avoid contradictions and to prevent potential infringements on media freedom.

Conclusion and Way Forward:
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding and commitment from the House of Representatives to consider the feedback and proposals presented by media stakeholders. There was mutual agreement on the importance of enacting a modern, balanced, and democratic press law that reflects the current media landscape and strengthens Somaliland’s commitment to freedom of expression and democratic governance.