Where is the promised action on our Media Principles?
Picture shows panelists who discussed the Media Principles at the heads of government summit last October – Shahidul Alam (Bangladesh), Apulu Lance Polu (Samoa), Kalafi Moala (Tonga), Kumi Naidoo (South Africa) and Ms. Neha Dixit (Pakistan). The long campaign by the CJA for our Media Principles charter on Freedom of Expression and the Role of […]
Pakistani journalists stand firm for media freedom
10/11/25 A seminar marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists was organised by the Rural Media Network Pakistan in Ahmedpur East, pictured, reaffirming what the Network called the journalist community’s commitment to stand resilient in its struggle for press freedom, safety, and professional dignity. Delegates took a firm stance against recent amendments […]
Global support for Freedom of Expression
International media platforms have praised the Freedom of Expression report compiled jointly by three Commonwealth organisations – the Journalists Association, the Human Rights Initiative and the Lawyers Association. See full details here: Research Report Says Punitive Laws Impede Free Speech https://www.commonwealthjournalists.org/7976-2/ The report details how laws in many of the 56 Commonwealth member countries severely […]
New leader in Sarawak brings fresh agenda
The CJA Sarawak branch has elected Nancy Nais, seated third left, as its new chairwoman, succeeding Alice Wee, who has led the branch since 2015. Outlining her vision, Nancy said the new committee would focus on ethical reporting standards, professional development, and international collaboration. “The role of journalists is especially critical today, with unprecedented challenges. […]
African voice for independent ethical journalism
3/9/25 The 2nd Pan-African Media Councils’ Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, pictured, concluded with a commitment to promote inclusive, rights-based media regulation across the continent, advancing credible, independent, and ethical journalism in Africa. Hosted by the Network of Independent Media Councils of Africa in collaboration with the Media Council of Tanzania, the gathering brought together representatives […]
London journalists in solidarity with murdered colleagues in Gaza
23/8/25 Following the recent killing of five Al Jazeera staff and a freelance photojournalist by Israeli forces in Gaza, journalists held a vigil outside 10 Downing Street in London – part of vigils and protests being staged by members of the National Union of Journalists across the UK and Ireland. Penny Quinton, chair of London Freelance […]
Death of Kenyan blogger sparks angry protests
14/7/25 The deputy police chief in Kenya, Eliud Lagat, has stepped aside to allow investigations into the death of a blogger, Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under controversial circumstances, prompting public anger and street protests, see picture. He had been detained over a post on X critical of Mr Lagat, including allegations he […]
Indian journalists warn of creeping surveillance
Journalists in India have expressed alarm at plans by the state government in Maharashtra to set up a ‘media monitoring’ centre that will keep tabs on news coverage related to the authorities across print, electronic, social and digital mediums. Details contained in a published Government Resolution said the monitoring body will classify news as either […]
We condemn libel charges against Samoan journalist
27/5/25 The Commonwealth Journalists Association has deplored the filing of a criminal libel charge against a senior Samoan journalist and urged the government of Samoa to repeal the country’s criminal defamation legislation to comply with internationally-recognised good practice. “The Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, is currently Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth. The CJA urges her […]
Pakistani journalists in targetted killings
02/06/25 The journalistic community in Pakistan is mourning the deaths of two more colleagues in the space of a week, amid calls for greater recognition of the dangers journalists face in doing their work. Abdul Latif Baloch, pictured left, known for his reporting on human rights violations, was killed in Balochistan, in his home area […]