CPJ Provides Urgent Help to Journalists Around the World
In 2001, CPJ created the Journalist Assistance Program to provide direct assistance to journalists whose needs could not be addressed by advocacy alone--journalists who must go into hiding or exile to escape threats; journalists in need of medicine and other material support in prison; and journalists injured after violent attacks, to give some examples. Since then we have helped more than 250 journalists from 49 countries.
The program helps journalists through a combination of financial and non-financial assistance. CPJ maintains a distress fund through which it dispenses emergency grants to journalists. The program also raises funds for journalists from outside sources and collaborates with other free expression organizations. When necessary, CPJ lobbies governments or international agencies to help secure refugee or asylum status for journalists and provides logistical support to journalists when they resettle in exile. We also refer journalists to resources, including information on grants, fellowships, and awards.
CPJ steps in when journalists are in dire situations as a result of persecution for their work. Some examples of our work in the last year include:
- Helping get medical care for journalists following brutal assaults in retaliation for their work and journalists suffering from mistreatment in prison.
- Supporting journalists forced to go into hiding or to relocate within their countries to escape threats from local officials, militia, or criminal gangs.
- Contributing to legal funds for journalists facing prison.
- Evacuating journalists at risk into temporary havens.
- Providing support for families of imprisoned journalists.
Our staff carefully vets all assistance cases. Due to the high volume of requests, we are not able to respond to everyone who needs our help. CPJ does not provide funding for organizations, media outlets, or media projects, and we do not offer professional training or scholarships. For inquiries or requests, please contact:
The Committee to Protect Journalists
330 Seventh Avenue, 11th floor
New York, NY 10001
Tel: +1 (212) 465-1004 x 146
Fax: +1 (212) 465-9568
Attn: Journalist Assistance Program
Email: JournAsst@cpj.org
Expedite by downloading and completing CPJ's assistance request form (pdf).
