What PEN does

International PEN is the world's oldest human rights organization, and the only worldwide association of writers. It is a strictly non-political, non-governmental organisation.

PEN fights for freedom of expression and defends writers suffering from oppressive regimes. In accordance with the PEN Charter, it uses its influence on behalf of writers, journalists and editors who are silenced by persecution, exile or imprisonment anywhere in the world.

PEN is an authoritative source on all matters of free expression. It holds formal consultative relations with UNESCO and Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

PEN also promotes friendship and intellectual co-operation among writers, and the appreciation and development of literature. Through a range of community activities it promotes the free transmission of ideas and the written word in all its forms, as a way towards understanding.

A major event in the PEN world calendar is the International Day of the Imprisoned Writer, commemorated in November each year.

Thematic committees of International PEN include: Writers in Prison, Writers for Peace, Writers in Exile, Translation and Linguistic Rights and Women Writers.

In Australia, a significant PEN initiative is the Asia and Pacific Writers Network (A&PWN).