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.

Protesters walk across a bridge displaying a sign in Georgian that reads “‘No to censorship! Independence to the film center!’” with words "Free Expression in Eurasia" in red brackets overlaid

Eurasia

While some countries in Eurasia have seen democratic progress, in others authoritarian regimes continue to crack down on independent free expression. More

people hold signs with messages of solidarity with Ukraine with free expression in Ukraine overlay text

Ukraine

We stand in solidarity with our PEN Ukraine colleagues and all the writers, artists, and people of Ukraine as they seek to defend their rights and their democracy.  More

A man looking at shelves of books at a bookstore in Myanmar; on top: “Free Expression in Myanmar”

Myanmar

Myanmar’s threats and challenges to free expression serve as an alarming backdrop to the dramatic escalation of human rights abuses carried out by the military junta. More

People visiting the Tomb of Hafez, a famous Iranian poet, in the town of Shiraz; on top: “Free Expression in Iran”

Iran

Despite its rich cultural and literary traditions, Iran is among the world’s most restrictive countries for freedom of expression. More

China

The Chinese government is the world’s leading jailer of writers and public intellectuals. Writers, journalists, bloggers, and creative artists face censorship, harassment, imprisonment, and enforced disappearance because of their… More

Russian Independent Media Archive

The Russian Independent Media Archive is preserving the last two decades  of independent Russian journalism, guarding this irreplaceable historical record against erasure. More

Lina and Walid Al-Hathloul holding signs at the 2019 PEN America Literary Gala in New York

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

Protest in Turkey

Turkey

Following an attempted coup in July 2016, the climate for free expression in Turkey has dramatically deteriorated. PEN America’s advocacy centers on writers and journalists who are in detention… More