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.

Mexico

Advocacy Campaign

Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. Additionally, a mix of other restrictions in the country serve to limit free expression in both… More

Turkey

Advocacy Campaign

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

Myanmar

Advocacy Campaign

Following the historic November 2015 elections, hopes were high that the space for free expression in Myanmar would widen considerably. However, under the new government, journalists continue to be… More

Bangladesh

Advocacy Campaign

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

Advocacy Campaign

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

China

Advocacy Campaign

In recent years, addressing the dire situation for free expression in China has been one of PEN America’s signature campaigns. With the world’s largest population, and with increased economic… More

Post-Soviet States

Advocacy Campaign

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

Russia

Advocacy Campaign

PEN America works to aid and elevate Russian writers fighting limits on free discourse and open access to information, including by hosting independent novelists, poets, and journalists for public… More

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#PENGala2019 honored Anita Hill, @realBobWoodward, Saudi writer-activists Nouf Abdulaziz, Loujain Al-Hathloul, and Eman Al-Nafjan, and @Scholastic CEO Dick Robinson: https://t.co/6D4CYcEhO8

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: PEN America Grants & Fellowships! @penamerican celebrates writers at every stage of their career. Consider applying to some of their grant/fellowship opportunities we have listed here! https://t.co/ttuZnpDKOQ

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