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.
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
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
Alert Us
Are you an artist at risk or know someone who is?
PEN America On 
"A man with a knife cannot silence a man with a pen," New York @GovKathyHochul says following @SalmanRushdie attack https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/jamestown/politics/2022/08/14/-a-man-with-a-knife-cannot-silence-a-man-with-a-pen---hochul-says-following-rushdie-attack?cid=share_twitter #SalmanRushdie
Threats and acts of violence directed toward any author in retaliation for their words imperil free speech for us all. Hoping for safety, wellbeing and freedom from harassment for @jk_rowling https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/14/business/jk-rowling-salman-rushdie-threat.html
Did you know? #PENAmerica offers professional memberships for published or produced writers, editors, translators, dramatists, screenwriters & other writing professionals.
We also offer Reader Membership for anyone who advocates for the #FreedomToWrite: https://pen.org/membership/
