English PEN public events part of 90th PEN International Annual Congress

Global inequalities produce an unjust and dangerous relationship between power and equity of expression, whereby the voices of those with the most political and economic power often have the most sway. The need for global solidarity is pressing. How do organisations, movements and individuals effectively leverage their privilege for social good whilst acknowledging the power structures which enable them to do so in relative safety? How do human rights campaigners amplify the voices of those who are targeted rather than attempting to be their voice? And how does governmental complicity in global oppression – historic and present – influence the way we campaign for the rights of communities affected by inhumane state policies?

With speakers: Nedim Türfent, Mahi Ramakrishnan and Gioconda Belli. Chaired by Juliet Jacques.

In partnership with PEN International.

The right to protest and the right to free expression are inextricably linked: in many cases, the latter has been fought for and won through protest; and the language used in protest is frequently misconstrued and used as a justification for its suppression. Above all, protest is in and of itself a demonstration of free expression. This panel will discuss the disturbing response to protests that we’ve witnessed across the globe, what this tells us about the state of free expression, and the inherent paradox at the centre of the concept of ‘peaceful protest’.

With speakers: Miyo Peck-Suzuki, Hanna Komar, Sanaa Seif and David Mead. Chaired by Daniel Gorman, Director of English PEN.

In partnership with PEN International.

We are also pleased to be partnering with PEN International on the keynote, which will be delivered by Adania Shibli during the Opening Ceremony at the Bodleian Library, Oxford, on Tuesday 24 September.