PEN International

Description

PEN International is a worldwide association of writers working to protect freedom of expression and to promote literature. It was founded in London in 1921. Today it operates across five continents in more than 100 countries. Its work is carried out locally by over 130 national and regional PEN Centres, which support the unhampered exchange of thought within and between nations.

The organization is guided by the PEN Charter, adopted in 1948. Members commit to opposing censorship and suppression of free expression, to championing a free press, and to fostering understanding between peoples regardless of political upheaval.

From its headquarters in London, a staff team coordinates research, policy and advocacy, communications and campaigns, fundraising, and regional programmes. These cover Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia/Pacific and the Middle East and North Africa. The team works alongside an elected international board and five standing committees, on translation and linguistic rights, writers for peace, writers in prison, women writers and young writers.

PEN International operates a whistleblowing reporting channel. It holds an annual Congress, hosted each year by a different PEN Centre, where members adopt resolutions and set policy positions on issues such as linguistic rights and digital freedom.

It is a registered charity in England and Wales, governed by an elected Executive Board. It is supported by donations, patrons and partners, including publishing houses, foundations and government bodies. It publishes strategic plans, funding and governance policies, and annual trustees’ reports and audited accounts, and states a commitment to accountability and transparency toward its members, supporters and partners worldwide.