Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA)

CamboJA was formed by a group of independent journalists from various media outlets, including those that were shut down by the government purge against the media in 2017. It represents over 100 Cambodian journalists who are passionate about protecting the rights and freedoms of journalists. CamboJA envisions that everyone (living in Cambodia) enjoys the right to information and freedom of the press. Our mission is to promote press freedom, support and protect journalists, and deliver credible news. During the strategic period (2024-2028), CamboJA aims to deliver three major programmatic results: (1) Increased support and protection of journalists, (2) Improved enabling environment and pr... read more CamboJA was formed by a group of independent journalists from various media outlets, including those that were shut down by the government purge against the media in 2017. It represents over 100 Cambodian journalists who are passionate about protecting the rights and freedoms of journalists. CamboJA envisions that everyone (living in Cambodia) enjoys the right to information and freedom of the press. Our mission is to promote press freedom, support and protect journalists, and deliver credible news. During the strategic period (2024-2028), CamboJA aims to deliver three major programmatic results: (1) Increased support and protection of journalists, (2) Improved enabling environment and pro-media policies for journalism, and (3) Increased availability and accessibility of credible news. These three interlinked areas are being implemented through three programs as follows: Research & Advocacy: The program closely monitors the situation of journalism in the country, focusing on documenting attacks on press freedom, carrying out advocacy actions to safeguard press freedom, and connect at-risk journalists with support services. Our goal in documenting attacks on journalists is two-fold: pushing for justice for individual journalists and advocating for systemic change that will create an environment in which journalists need not fear doing their jobs. The program actively participates in CSOs-led working groups such as the Access to Information Working Group, the Digital Rights Working Group, and the Journalists Safety Working Group to protect and promote press freedom and freedom of expression in Cambodia. Capacity Development: It has been carrying out various capacity-strengthening activities, including training courses, workshops, and knowledge-sharing/networking events on journalism and key thematic topics to enrich journalists'/media practitioners' knowledge, understanding, and skills. Since 2021, at least 20 trainings have been conducted for at least 200 journalists and media professionals based in Phnom Penh and other parts of the country. Those trainings include media laws and ethics, investigative journalism, citizen journalism, labor rights reporting, gender-sensitive reporting, human trafficking reporting, fact-checking, social accountability reporting, and national budget reporting. The program also organizes various competitions to encourage good practices of journalism, especially among our members, and coordinates with the CamboJA Newsroom to offer internship placements to potential young journalists. CamboJA News: The digital news platform is currently considered the last remaining independent local newsroom following the closure of Voice of Democracy by the government in February 2023. It publishes in-depth news and investigative stories in both English and Khmer about underreported issues in Cambodia, including human rights and development issues, with strict adherence to a professional journalistic code of conduct. While contributing to promoting access to independent information, and in the face of media restrictions, the program also supports independent journalists by providing them with story grants to report important stories free from self-censorship and institutional pressures. In May 2025, CamboJA News was awarded the World Justice Project's Anthony Lewis Journalism Prize, recognizing its investigative reporting and daily coverage of issues undermining the rule of law in Cambodia amid shrinking civic space in the country. CamboJA has established a clear governance and management structure to oversee the overall operation of the association. It is managed by an Executive Director who oversees overall daily operation of the association with the support from three other members of the management committee such as the News Director, Program Director, and Finance Manager (50% women). The Executive Director is overseen by an independent governing Board of Directors who has ultimate oversight of all operations of the association. In accordance with CamboJA's bylaws, the Board which consists of a minimum three members meets with the management committee on a quarterly basis to receive progress and budget updates and guide strategic direction to ensure accountability, effectiveness, and efficiency. As of August 2025, the association consists of 20 full-time staff members, three interns, and two part-time contractors (over 50% female). The financial management is guided by a financial manual developed by financial experts, while the personnel is governed by human resource policy which includes staff policy, anti-corruption policy, conflict of interest policy, complaint handling, and feedback mechanism.