What we do
Every year, hundreds of writers are imprisoned, persecuted, attacked, threatened, exiled or even murdered as a result of their work. We seek to defend and support them and their families, to pressurise governments where the right to freedom of expression is under attack, and to help bring about the necessary changes to make freedom of expression a reality around the world.
Writers at Risk
We campaign on behalf of writers and other literary professionals who are unjustly persecuted in violation of their right to freedom of expression.
Writers in Residence
Our residency programme is an extension of our long-standing work in support of writers around the world. We aim to support international writers facing persecution by providing them with the time, safety and funds to relax and work on their own projects.
“I get so many letters from PEN members... Perhaps this is why I never feel helpless.”
Zehra Doğan - Artist, journalist and English PEN Writer in Residence
Free Speech in the UK
We campaign for freedom of speech and the promotion of literature in the United Kingdom.
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Donate to the Writers at Risk programme
Financial contributions to our work will always be gratefully received. Do get in touch if you are interested in holding a fundraiser or would like to make a donation to our ongoing work in support of writers at risk around the world.
Write to a Writer at Risk
Our letter writing programme pairs English PEN members with threatened writers overseas. This long-term and highly personal casework can provide much needed moral support, whilst serving as a non-confrontational reminder to the authorities that the individual has not been forgotten.