Committee to Protect Journalists

CPJ seeks out and disseminates information that it deems critical to protect the rights and interests of journalists who may be endangered or harmed by their efforts to speak out. Research is one tool used to uncover, document, and disseminate attacks on the press each year. "Each case that is identified as a violation of press freedom is corroborated by more than one source for factual accuracy, confirmation that the victims were journalists or news organizations, and verification that intimidation was the probable motive."

The organisation works to publicly reveal these abuses against the press by using the Internet, email exchanges, and printed materials. "Attacks on the Press", a yearly worldwide survey of journalists killed and imprisoned in countries around the world, is available online and in printed format in several languages (click here for access to the 2003 edition). Each year, CPJ commemorates World Press Freedom Day (May 3) with a list drawing attention to places around the world where press freedom is threatened (click here for the 2004 list). In addition to articles, news releases, and special reports, CPJ publishes a biannual magazine called "Dangerous Assignments" (click here for the Fall 2004 issue in PDF format). CPJ uses email to communicate information as well - through its e-newsletter ("CPJ Update"), daily alerts, protest letters, and reports. Click here for access to all of CPJ's publications.

In addition to providing information and insight about press conditions and attacks on press freedom, CPJ takes action on behalf of imprisoned and threatened journalists. The organisation uses local and foreign contacts to intervene whenever foreign correspondents are in trouble and then to notify news organisations, government officials, and human rights organisations of the violations. Advocacy as a strategy is evident in CPJ's organisation of "vigorous protest at all levels-ranging from local governments to the United Nations." When necessary, CPJ "works behind the scenes through other diplomatic channels to effect change."

Rights.

CPJ urges that, "Without a free press, few other human rights are attainable. A strong press freedom environment encourages the growth of a robust civil society, which leads to stable, sustainable democracies and healthy social, political, and economic development." The organisation was founded by a group of United States foreign correspondents concerned about "the often brutal treatment of their foreign colleagues by authoritarian governments and other enemies of independent journalism".