International PEN

International PEN brings together writers, journalists, poets - all those using the written word to promote ideas - in the common belief that it is through this sharing that bridges of understanding can be built between peoples. These bridges cross political, geographical, ethnic, cultural, religious and other divides.

It is for this reason that the protection of the right to freedom of expression - the freedom to express ideas without fear of attack, arrest or other persecution - has been at the heart of International PEN's work since it was formed in 1921.

PEN's work and advocacy was fully developed by the time the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was declared and adopted by the United Nations in 1948. It has been argued that PEN helped to define the concept of freedom of expression that is now enshrined under Article 19 of the Declaration, a right that is as important today as it was when it was defined in the aftermath of World War Two.

Pen Poem Relay

Over the past several months, centres of International PEN have contributed to the PEN Poem Relay, arranging translations and recordings of the poem 'June' (Liuyue) by the imprisoned Chinese poet and journalist Shi Tao, into over 60 (and counting) of the world's languages.

Via a website with a map of the world and a relay itinerary (similar to the Olympic Torch Relay itinerary), the poem virtually 'travels' around the world, from centre to centre, language to language, adding new translations as it goes and ending in Beijing for the 2008 Olympics.

Visitors to the website can track the poem's progress and read and hear new translations of the poem as it arrives at each new centre.