Our Story
Consortium for the Safety of Journalists in Ethiopia (CSoJ) is a national coalition committed to advancing press freedom, protecting the rights of media professionals, and promoting a safe and enabling environment for journalists across Ethiopia. Journalists serve as the backbone of a democratic society; informing the public, holding power accountable, and amplifying diverse voices. Yet, in Ethiopia, media professionals often face intimidation, harassment, unlawful detention, and violence, which undermine their ability to carry out their vital role.
CSoJ was established to respond to these pressing challenges. By bringing together leading journalists’ associations under one umbrella, we serve as a strong, unified voice for the safety and dignity of journalists. Our collective action ensures that safety concerns are not handled in isolation but through solidarity, coordinated advocacy, and integrated support systems.
At CSoJ, we believe: protecting journalists means protecting democracy.
Vision
A free, safe, and resilient media environment in Ethiopia where journalists can work without fear, in dignity, and with full protection of their rights.
Mission
To promote press freedom, ensure the safety and well-being of journalists, and foster solidarity among journalists’ associations through collective advocacy, rapid response mechanisms, capacity-building, and gender-sensitive interventions.
CSoJ is an inclusive coalition that thrives on solidarity. Membership is open to all legally registered journalists’ associations in Ethiopia that share our vision and mission. By joining CSoJ, associations gain:
- A collective platform for advocacy and representation at national, regional, and global levels.
- Access to training programs, capacity-building workshops, and safety resources.
- Opportunities to participate in rapid response mechanisms and protection frameworks.
- Inclusion in national monitoring and reporting systems on press freedom and journalists’ safety.
- Stronger solidarity through joint networking, collaboration, and experience-sharing.
Join Us and Become a Member
We encourage journalists’ associations across Ethiopia to become part of CSoJ. Together, we can build a safer, freer, and stronger media environment in Ethiopia.
We are legally registered under the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) with registry number 7577, on December 23, 2024. This recognition affirms our legitimacy and strengthens our mandate to stand up for journalists’ rights at the national, regional, and international levels.