Somalia 2021

Somali Journalists Syndicate

Media For Human Rights

$44,300

To promote human rights in Somalia through documentation and advocacy. The organization will train journalists in all six Somali states on how to investigate and report human rights violations to build public awareness to facilitate policy change. Trainings will build the capacity of journalists and editors on the principles of human rights; international frameworks and domestic laws governing human rights in Somalia; why it is important to document and report on human rights issues; and the strategies for how to effectively document and report on human rights. After the training, the organization will establish a network of journalists covering human rights across six regions in Somalia to monitor, collaboratively investigate, document, and report on human rights violations in the country.

 

Radio Daljir

Voices for Democracy, Good Governance, and Accountability (Supplement)

$18,802

To promote democracy and human rights, strengthen federalism, and encourage public accountability and personal responsibility in Somalia. The organization will conduct radio programs, dramas, public service announcements, and community meetings that promote democracy, good governance, and human rights in Somalia. It will also use core support to conduct special programming on the rights of Somali women and girls, and to build its operational footprint across nine radio stations. Supplemental funds will be used to expand the station’s COVID-19 coverage, through which it provides additional awareness raising messages, including PSAs, video clips, and radio discussions, on its radio and social media platforms to raise citizen understanding of the disease, government recommendations, and other developments.

 

HAYAAN Institute for Research and Policy

Strengthening Democratic Processes in Puntland (Supplement)

$23,442

To enhance institutional mechanisms and citizen support for Puntland’s democratization process prior to the 2020/21 transition. The organization will host a series of public forums and television and radio programs to build public awareness of and advocacy for credible elections. It will also strengthen the Transitional Puntland Election Commission (TPEC)’s capacity to deliver those polls. With supplemental funds, the organization will expand existing program activities and organize a three-day training for representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) to better understand the country’s newly developed electoral model, the fundamental rights afforded to citizens in the provisional constitution, the importance of citizen participation in elections, and the roles CSOs can play in ensuring credible polls.

 

Mudug Peace and Human Development Organization

Building the Capacity of Local District Councils in Galmudug

$43,525

To enhance the capacity of the newly elected local district council officials in Galmudug. The organization will train councilors on local governance structures and best practices, opportunities to facilitate public participation, and their roles in developing democracy within the state. Local facilitators will provide a background of decentralization, both as a general concept as well as its history in Somalia, and use that to explain how it manifests in the modern state. Participants will also learn about various types of authorities on the local level and how they are distinct from state and national authorities, as well as how these authorities relate to citizens and how to engage the public in order to be responsive to their priorities.

 

Conflict Dynamics International

Dialogue for Conciliation around the Role of the Upper House

$99,930

To build political consensus on the role of the Upper House of Somalia’s federal parliament. The organization will conduct desk and field research, organize facilitated discussions with key political actors, civil society representatives, and women leaders  to reconcile the interests of various Somali constituencies–including those of the executive, the legislative branch, traditional customary arrangements, and the public–and develop a framework for inclusive dialogue processes. It will target key political and civil society stakeholders from throughout the country to build consensus around potential options for the structure and functions of the Upper House of parliament.

 

HAYAAN Institute for Research and Policy

Strengthening Accountability and Transparency in Somalia

$130,830

To enhance institutional mechanisms and citizen support for Puntland’s democratization process prior to the 2020/21 transition. The organization will host a series of public forums and television and radio programs to build public awareness of and advocacy for credible elections. It will also strengthen the Transitional Puntland Election Commission (TPEC)’s capacity to deliver those polls. With supplemental funds, the organization will expand existing program activities and organize a three-day training for representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) to better understand the country’s newly developed electoral model, the fundamental rights afforded to citizens in the provisional constitution, the importance of citizen participation in elections, and the roles CSOs can play in ensuring credible polls.

 

Marqaati

Combating Disinformation and Corruption in Somalia

$43020

To improve citizens’ access to credible, accurate news in Somalia and to improve accountability in Somalia’s federal institutions. The organization will rate local and regional news sources based on credibility and transparency indicators to help Somalis identify deceptive or inaccurate news. It will also fact-check viral news stories and provide a platform of verified news. In continuation of its ongoing work, the organization will also document reports of corruption, identify the geographic areas and government agencies engaged in corruption, raise public attention, and advocate for greater accountability.

 

City University of Mogadishu

Dhalinyarada and Doodda Mustaqbalka: Promoting Youth Debate about the Future of Somalia

$75200

To build political consensus on the role of the Upper House of Somalia’s federal parliament. The organization will conduct research and facilitate dialogue with key political actors, civil society representatives, women leaders, and others to develop a range of options on the potential roles and functions of the parliamentary body.

 

Hiraal Institute

Enhancing Public Ownership in the Security Debate

$39500

To increase government responsiveness to citizen input in security sector decision-making. The organization will conduct primary and secondary research identifying local grievances and security trends throughout Somalia. It will also conduct virtual public forums and develop reports with policy recommendations analyzing security realities and how to integrate citizen priorities into security policymaking.

 

Heritage Institute for Policy Studies

Strengthening Policy Development

Somalia – $40000

To promote evidence-based research and policy development in Somalia. The organization will assist government and policymakers in making well informed decisions by providing objective research and analysis to produce five research reports on relevant political and governance developments, hold eight forums to provide a platform for citizen participation and discussion on national developments, draft an annual State of Somalia report, and engage local and international stakeholders in policy discussions.

 

Women In Media Initiative Somalia -WIMISOM

Enhancing the Capacity of Female Journalists

$30110

To strengthen the capacity of female journalists to conduct their work safely and effectively. The organization will conduct a comprehensive skill building and mentorship program for women journalists in Puntland, Galmudug, Bosaso, and Galkayo. It will also develop a comprehensive journalism training guide, five monthly public service announcements featuring prominent public figures regarding various democracy and rights-oriented themes, and strengthen the capacities of female journalist unions in Puntland and Galkayo.