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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POTUS uses powers of @WhiteHouse to try to intimidate & retaliate against reporters whose coverage/q's he dislikes: press revocations, journos thrown out of events etc. @Acosta @Milbank @BrianKarem & now @michelekelemen -- it's why we @PENamerica sued trump for violating 1st Am.
[email protected] on @feliciasonmez: "To suspend her while she is facing a deluge of online abuse [risks] sending exactly the wrong message to online trolls, who will conclude that systemic harassment of journalists is effective at getting...reporters silenced" https://pen.org/press-release/washington-post-must-clarify-suspension-of-journalist/
Acts of retaliation against the media in retaliation for unflattering coverage have become a stock in trade of this Administration. That's why @PENamerica is suing in protest of these flagrant 1st Amendment violations https://nyti.ms/3aOWCll