A week ago I posted a blog about world press day and the plight of journalism in Somalia – one of the dangerous countries in the world to be a journalist.
I want to pick up this theme – but also highlight one of the many and vital successes. This is of course, Jamal Osman, recently named journalist of the year at the One World media awards in London this week.
The awards recognise outstanding journalism on the developing world. Jamal was awarded the title for his portfolio of exceptional work on Somalia, including coverage of Somali athletes training for the London Olympics later this summer – a truly inspiring story of athletes, like Abdinasir Ibrahim, a 5,000 metre runner who competed at Beijing and hopes to compete in London, striving to achieve great things for themselves and their country.
Jamal’s work has also covered more distressing issues – including last year’s drought and the appalling conditions facing many refugees. His bravery brought the unfolding tragedy in southern Somalia to an audience of millions.
So as we honour those journalists killed in the line of duty in Somalia and strive for greater freedom of expression and protection of journalists in Somalia, it’s only right that we salute the outstanding work of Jamal Osman – One World Journalist of the Year.