Constitution of the International Union of Journalists (IUJ)
PREAMBLE
We, journalists and media professionals from all regions of the world, united by a common commitment to the principles of press freedom, journalistic independence, truth, accuracy, fairness, and universal human rights, do hereby establish the International Union of Journalists (IUJ).
Recognizing that a free and independent press is an indispensable pillar of democratic societies and a fundamental instrument for promoting transparency, accountability, informed citizenship, and global understanding, we join together to amplify our collective voice, safeguard our rights and safety, promote professional ethics, and respond to the challenges confronting journalism in the digital era and beyond.
We reaffirm our dedication to ethical journalism, solidarity among media practitioners, and the unwavering defense of freedom of expression against all forms of threat, censorship, and coercion.
CHAPTER I: NAME AND HEADQUARTERS
Article 1
The name of this organization shall be the International Union of Journalists (IUJ).
Article2
The international headquarters of the IUJ shall be located in a host country as determined by the General Assembly. The Executive Body may, as needed, establish regional offices or coordinating bodies to ensure effective service to the global membership.
CHAPTER II: OBJECTIVES
Article 3
The IUJ shall pursue the following objectives:
- To promote and defend press freedom, freedom of expression, and the public’s right to access information worldwide.
- To advance solidarity and cooperation among journalists and journalist organizations across all regions and media platforms.
- To uphold and advocate for the highest standards of journalistic ethics, integrity, and quality.
- To protect the professional rights, safety, working conditions, and economic and social interests of journalists and media workers.
- To oppose censorship, intimidation, violence, harassment, arbitrary detention, and impunity for crimes committed against journalists.
- To provide material, legal, and moral support to journalists or journalist organizations facing persecution or legal hardship.
- To monitor and report on press freedom and journalist safety globally.
- To facilitate knowledge exchange, research, and best practices within the journalism profession.
- To support education, capacity building, and ongoing professional development for journalists.
- To promote the recognition of journalism as a profession and defend the labor rights of journalists.
- To cooperate with international organizations and networks working to defend journalists’ rights, human rights, and democratic values.
- To undertake any lawful activities that further the above objectives.
CHAPTER III: MEMBERSHIP
Article 4
Membership shall be open to national, regional, or international organizations of journalists that:
- Operate independently of government or corporate control.
- Are governed democratically.
- Subscribe to the values and objectives enshrined in this Constitution.
Article 5
Individual journalists may become affiliated through their respective national or regional member organizations. Membership applications shall be reviewed by the Executive Body and subject to ratification by the General Assembly.
Article 6
The Executive Body shall formulate procedures and criteria for membership application, admission, rights and privileges, representation, and termination, subject to approval by the General Assembly.
CHAPTER IV: ORGANS OF THE IUJ
Article 7
The IUJ shall comprise the following organs:
- a) General Assembly (GA)
- b) Executive Body
- c) President
- d) Secretary General
- e) Treasurer
- f) Council (optional)
- g) Any committees or subsidiary bodies established by the GA or Executive Body (e.g., Ethics Committee, Solidarity Fund Committee, Regional Committees)
CHAPTER VI: EXECUTIVE BODY
Article 8
The Executive Body shall manage the affairs of the IUJ.
Article 9
The Executive Body shall comprise:
- President
- Vice President(s)3+1
- General Secretary
- Assistant General Secretary 2+1
- Treasurer
- Spokesperson
- Executive Body
(ONE Member from each member country.)
+3 seats reserved for women
- one member from affiliated organizations
Article 10
Functions of the Executive Body include:
- a) Implementing decisions and policies
- b) Supervising IUJ operations
- c) Overseeing financial matters
- d) Representing the IUJ internationally
- e) Developing operational policies
- f) Coordinating campaigns
- g) Engaging with members
- h) Appointing committee members
- i) Advising IUJ officers
- j) Leading crisis response
- k) Drafting internal regulations
- l) Calling GA and Executive Body meetings
- m) Reporting to the GA
Article 11
The Executive Body shall meet at least two (2) times per year. Special meetings may be convened by the President or upon request of 30% of members. Yearly calendar for events shall also be shared with the consultation of the body.
Article 12
A simple majority shall constitute a quorum. Decisions shall be made by majority vote; the President shall cast the tie-breaking vote.
Article 13
The term of the Executive Body shall be two (2) years, except General Secretary and Treasurer.
CHAPTER VII: PRESIDENT
Article 14
The President shall be the chief executive officer and principal spokesperson of the IUJ.
Article 15
The President shall:
- Preside over all meetings of the GA and Executive Body
- Provide strategic leadership
- Represent the IUJ at the international level
- Ensure implementation of GA and Executive Body decisions
- Co-sign official documents with the Secretary General or Treasurer
- Carry out any additional duties assigned by the GA or Executive Body
Article 16
The position of President shall rotate among member organizations on an alphabetical basis, to ensure global representation and equity.
CHAPTER VIII: VICE PRESIDENTS
Article 17
The Vice President(s) shall:
- Perform presidential duties in the absence or incapacitation of the President
- Assist with leadership functions
- Manage designated regional or thematic responsibilities as delegated
CHAPTER IX: GENERAL SECRETARY
Article 18
The Secretary General shall be the chief administrative and operational officer.
Article 19
The Secretary General shall:
- a) Implement Executive Body decisions
- b) Manage staff and administration
- c) Coordinate programs and campaigns
- d) Prepare official reports and budgets
- e) Maintain records and archives
- f) Represent the IUJ when delegated
- g) Perform other duties as assigned
CHAPTER X: TREASURER
Article 20
The Treasurer shall oversee financial administration.
Article 21
Duties include:
- a) Budget preparation and monitoring
- b) Financial transactions and account management
- c) Preparation of financial reports
- d) Ensuring audits and compliance
- e) Advising on financial matters
- f) Other assigned responsibilities
CHAPTER XI: COUNCIL (Advisory Body)
Article 22
A Council may be established to assist the Executive Body. It shall include officers, regional representatives, and designated representatives of member organizations, and act as a liaison between members and leadership.
CHAPTER XII: FINANCE
Article 23
IUJ funds shall comprise:
- a) Membership fees
- b) Donations, grants, and legacies (subject to approval)
- c) Revenue from activities and services
Article 24
The IUJ financial year shall be synchronized with the term between General Assemblies. Independent auditors shall be appointed by the GA for annual audits.
CHAPTER XIII: AMENDMENTS
Article 25
This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the GA, provided the proposal has been circulated at least three months in advance.
CHAPTER XIV: DISSOLUTION
Article 26
The IUJ shall exist in perpetuity unless dissolved by a three-fourths vote at a Special General Assembly, with at least two-thirds of members present or represented by proxy.
Article 27
Upon dissolution, remaining assets, after settlement of liabilities, shall be transferred to organizations dedicated to press freedom, journalists’ rights, or human rights causes. No individual member shall receive any share of assets.
CHAPTER XV: MISCELLANEOUS
Article 28
The Executive Body shall be empowered to enact rules and regulations consistent with this Constitution.
Article 29
Disputes shall be resolved by the Executive Body. Unresolved matters may be referred to a special GA committee or arbitration as determined by the GA.
Article 30
This Constitution shall enter into force upon its formal adoption by the founding conference or first General Assembly.