The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide and defends the right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal. For 40 years, as hundreds of journalists are attacked, imprisoned, or killed every year, CPJ has been there to defend them and fight for press freedom. Made up of about 40 experts around the world with headquarters in New York City, CPJ mobilizes a network of correspondents who report and take action on behalf of those targeted when press freedom violations occur. CPJ reports on violations in repressive countries, conflict zones, and established democracies alike, guided by a board of prominent journalists from around the world. CPJ’s work is based on research providing a global snapshot of obstructions to a free press, with research staff documenting hundreds of attacks on the press each year. In the quest for free media, CPJ denounces press freedom violations, meets with heads of state and high-ranking officials, spearheads or advises on diplomatic efforts, and works with other organizations to ensure justice when journalists are imprisoned or killed, while providing comprehensive, life-saving support to journalists and media staff through up-to-date safety and security information and rapid response assistance. As an organization founded by journalists, CPJ uses the tools of journalism to protect those engaged in acts of journalism, with credibility resting on accuracy, transparency, fairness, accountability, and independence. CPJ believes freedom of expression is the foundation for all other human rights, recognizing that violations of press freedom often occur in a broader context of discrimination and oppression based on political beliefs, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic standing, and that every person has the right to freedom of opinion and expression regardless of nationality or identity, as access to independent information enables all people to make decisions and hold the powerful to account.
Why it matters: CPJ provides the global infrastructure necessary to respond when journalists are attacked, imprisoned, or killed—mobilizing correspondents, documenting violations, meeting with officials, and providing life-saving support in real time rather than simply condemning press freedom abuses after the fact. By operating in repressive countries, conflict zones, and established democracies alike, CPJ demonstrates that threats to press freedom are not limited to authoritarian regimes but occur wherever powerful interests seek to silence independent reporting. The organization’s recognition that freedom of expression is the foundation for all other human rights connects journalist safety to broader struggles against discrimination and oppression, understanding that access to independent information enables all people to hold the powerful to account and that protecting those who report the news protects everyone’s ability to make informed decisions.
