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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Two publishers of prestigious scientific journals said they would re-evaluate previously published papers, on ethnic minorities and co-written by scientists backed by the Chinese gov, to ensure the authors got consent from those they studied: https://bit.ly/389lXFc via @nytimes.
In a portfolio commissioned by the @econhardship, poet @dougvangundy and photographer Matt Eich sought to shed light on life in Webster County, West Virginia and add dimension and detail to an often oversimplified portrayal of the area: https://bit.ly/3676dk9.
Taiwan has taken preemptive measures to combat the spread of disinformation on Facebook and in broadcast news ahead of the January presidential election. Taiwan now faces a delicate balance: how to cut disinformation without cutting free speech: https://bit.ly/2DLrILk via @NPR.