About Farhan Jimale
Accomplished communication strategist and journalist with over 30 years of global media background, dedicated to promoting justice and accountability by amplifying marginalized voices through powerful storytelling and rights-based public advocacy.
Education & Academic Background
Master of Arts in Theology
Religion in Peace and Conflict
Uppsala University, Sweden (2021)
Master of Arts
International Relations
Queen Mary University of London (2015)
Bachelor of Arts
Journalism and Media
Birkbeck, University of London (2012)
Professional Profile
A principled and strategic media and communications leader with over 30 years of experience leveraging journalism and public communication to advance human rights, democracy, and good governance. Through distinguished roles at BBC News, the United Nations, and the Federal Government of Somalia, has consistently used storytelling to expose injustice, demand accountability, and promote civic participation across Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
Demonstrated expertise in amplifying the voices of the marginalized, informing both local and global audiences about human rights violations, and shaping public discourse on the rule of law, transparency, and democratic reform. Adept at leading rights-based public interest campaigns, building ethical media institutions, and developing communication strategies that foster participation, trust, and institutional accountability in fragile and post-conflict settings.
As Commissioner of Somalia's Independent Human Rights Commission, Farhan brings this wealth of experience to institutional human rights work, focusing on transparency, accountability, and ensuring that human rights protections translate into real improvements in people's daily lives.
Core Human Rights Competencies
Strategic Communication
Designing impactful multimedia campaigns to raise awareness on human rights, social justice, and accountability.
Investigative Journalism
Exposing rights violations through evidence-based reporting, supporting documentation and advocacy efforts.
Humanitarian Journalism
Reporting ethically in fragile and conflict-affected environments to amplify voices of affected communities.
Communication for Development
Using rights-based communication approaches to empower marginalized communities and promote behavioral change.
Multimedia Content Production
Creating inclusive content to educate, inform, and mobilize the public around displacement, GBV, and legal rights.
Policy Communication
Translating complex human rights data into accessible information for stakeholders and the general public.
Career Timeline
Somali Government Spokesperson & Director of Communications
Senior Journalist/Team Manager at BBC News
Programmes Manager, BBC Media Action
Senior Producer at UN OCHA IRIN Radio Project
Radio and TV Producer & Presenter, HornAfrik Media
Producer and Presenter at Radio Mogadishu & SONNA
Key Achievements
BBC News Leadership
Led BBC Somali Service reaching over 4 million people across radio, TV, and digital platforms
UN Humanitarian Work
Senior Producer at UN OCHA amplifying voices of IDPs, refugees, and marginalized communities
Government Communications
Served as Somalia's Government Spokesperson promoting democratic reform and transparency
Human Rights Commissioner
Currently serving as Commissioner of Somalia's Independent Human Rights Commission
Core Values & Principles
Transparency
Committed to open governance and transparent processes that build public trust and accountability in human rights institutions.
Inclusivity
Ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and that human rights protections reach every member of society, especially the most vulnerable.
Accountability
Promoting institutional accountability and ensuring that human rights violations are addressed through proper legal and administrative channels.
Vision for Somalia
"My vision is of a Somalia where human rights are not just words on paper, but lived realities for every citizen. Where transparency guides governance, where accountability is the norm, and where every voice—especially those of the marginalized—is heard and respected."— Farhan Jimale