Focus Regions
PEN America works to protect freedom of expression and promote fundamental rights around the world, with particular emphasis in Focus Regions where we have developed expertise and built relationships with people and organizations on the ground. Read below to learn more about PEN America’s initiatives to help address distinct regional challenges in these areas and how you can be part of these important efforts.
Many challenges to free expression transcend state and regional boundaries. Learn more about our approaches to these Focus Issues.
Saudi Arabia
PEN America's Saudi Arabia advocacy focuses on ensuring justice for Jamal Khashoggi’s murder and calling for the release of imprisoned writers. More
Bangladesh
The climate for free expression in Bangladesh has significantly deteriorated: Radical Islamist groups have claimed the killings of six bloggers, free thinkers, and their publishers since February 2015, and… More
United States
The United States proudly stands as a haven for free expression at home and a champion of free speech abroad. PEN America works to ensure that the United States… More
Post-Soviet States
Since the end of the Soviet Union in 1991, former soviet countries have had to face severe challenges. The governance and goals of each country have diverged from the… More
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PEN America On 
BERKELEY! Calling all poetry lovers for an intimate evening of readings from author Marilyn Chin and San Francisco Jazz Poet Laureate Genny Lim. Join us 11/20 at Moe's Bookstore. Learn more and RSVP: https://bit.ly/2K33tfg.
“You make the book, you send it out into the world, and it will connect with the people that it’s for,” says PEN America Member Margaret Atwood. THE TESTAMENTS is her fast-paced sequel to her celebrated dystopian novel THE HANDMAID'S TALE: https://bit.ly/2XjJ76T via @people.
POW. When you're still thinking about the conversation from the night before --> that's a #success.
Thanks to NYU for organizing a necessary conversation about free speech and academic freedom in the US + abroad. @NYULibraries @TamimentLibrary @PENamerica
https://nyunews.com/news/2019/11/15/academic-freedom-free-speech-campus/