A/HRC/7/26 Page 10 27. There was also constant intimidation which caused some media outlets to self –censor their reporting or there were outright attacks on media premises causing them to cease operations. For example, from 19 to 20 September 2007, the premises of the Radio Shabelle network came under intense gunfire trapping a technician inside and forcing its closure and termination of media activities. This attack was allegedly carried out by government forces. In addition, following months of intimidation and harassment, by November, three media organisations - Shabelle Media Network, Banadir Radio and Radio Simba, were effectively closed by the TFIs. 28. The independent expert has learned that in almost all cases, no investigations have been carried out and no perpetrators have been brought to justice. Last year, he continually condemned all these acts in public statements and private discussions and has called for investigations into all these threats, attacks and killings against the media and the prompt reopening of the closed media organisations. He held meetings with officials in cities such as Geneva and London on this topic. He also raised this issue with authorities during his mission and was informed that some media organizations were legitimate security concerns as they were involved in terrorist activities. He was informed that the TFG condemns violence against the media and that investigations would be undertaken. E. Economic, social and cultural rights 29. In the realms of economic, social and cultural rights, the situation is concerning. Somalia continues to be one of the poorest countries in the world and the lowest indicators for life expectancy, infant and under-five mortality, adult school enrolment. Diseases such as tuberculosis and cholera are widespread malnutrition, especially among children, is common. still gravely has amongst literacy and and chronic 30. Due to the limited influence of the TFIs and weak local authorities, basic service provision is very poor, especially in the education and health sectors. Livelihoods and the economy as a whole are susceptible to drought, flooding, conflict and bans on livestock importation. These factors presented significant obstacles to the ability of Somalis to realize the right to food, to access education and to earn livelihoods and gain employment. In addition, Somalia’s pre-existing and unresolved land and property rights issues were in many ways exacerbated by the conflict, as there were further population movements of IDPs, land and property confiscation as well as evictions by authorities of people, including IDPs, from public buildings. 31. As the independent expert has stated on several previous occasions, the waters off the extensive unmonitored Somali coast are rife with human rights abuses. Unfettered fishing and environmental degradation by foreign vessels continues. Piracy – which often hampers muchneeded humanitarian assistance was increasing, and in 2007 and early 2008, humanitarian aid deliveries by ship were increasingly accompanied by French and Danish navy vessels for protection. The independent expert reiterates that efforts to control and protect the coastline should be intensified. In the long term, this should be achieved through the establishment of an effective coastguard and adequate monitoring structures. To ensure coastline protection in the medium term, the independent expert calls for the establishment of an organization (similar to Somalia’s current civil aviation model), mandated to safeguard the Somali coastline until such a time that the Somali authorities are able to do so.