The Commonwealth Journalists Association is a voluntary professional association for working journalists throughout the Commonwealth, comprised of 54 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific.

In many countries the media lacks resources, comes under pressure from government and commercial interests, or suffers threats or violence from criminals and extremists. Access to high quality training may be difficult and there may be no machinery for journalists to get together and discuss their common problems, the changes to their profession, and new threats from security efforts and manipulation.

The CJA exists to remedy this situation, to bring journalists closer together whether they are working in print, broadcasting, or online journalism, and to help raise their status and quality. The CJA has branches in some Commonwealth countries and members in all.

The CJA co-operates closely with other media bodies such as the Commonwealth Press Union and the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association in defending the independence and safety of journalists where these are seen to be in danger. The CJA is also one of the bodies which founded the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI). More here.