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
Alert Us
Are you an artist at risk or know someone who is?
PEN America On 
As more than 2,000 newspapers across the country have closed or merged, student journalists from Michigan to Arizona have stepped in to fill the void https://t.co/Rx4YRvZmRc
Thank you @Qtarantino_news for standing up to pressure from #China to censor your film. As China positions itself as the world's highest bidder, we need to make clear our rights to free speech and creative freedom aren't for sale https://t.co/7HcwNj6Y6S
Join us on 11/1 for a discussion on authorship in the era of mass incarceration with 2018 PEN America Writing For Justice Fellows Justin Rovillos Monson and @dwaynebetts, and the @AAWW Witness Program writers @roshanton, @olivarespoet, and Sarah Wang: https://t.co/dYj0IQezCO.