PEN to Increase Focus on Freedom of Expression in the Americas
Freedom of expression is under growing pressure across the Americas, from the United States in the north to the most authoritarian regimes in Latin America in the south.
PEN Norway is now establishing a new Americas Committee to closely monitor developments, support vulnerable voices, and strengthen cooperation with regional sister organizations.
The Americas Committee: A Vigilant Guardian of Freedom of Expression:
We are witnessing a disturbing trend where freedom of expression and the rule of law are undermined in established democracies and authoritarian states. This calls for a comprehensive approach. The Americas Committee will be the vigilant guardian of PEN Norway, monitoring these trends and responding to instances of abuse of power, censorship, and violence against free speech, says Jørgen Watne Frydnes, Secretary General of PEN Norway.
In recent years, the United States has experienced serious setbacks in press freedom, academic freedom, and civil society’s ability to operate freely. Across Latin America, journalists and human rights defenders are increasingly being persecuted, and several PEN offices in the region report rising threats and violence.
We are seeing a dramatic decline in many countries. In El Salvador, over 100,000 people have been imprisoned without trial. In Guatemala, the critical editor José Rubén Zamora remains imprisoned. In Mexico, being a journalist can be deadly. We cannot watch this unfold without responding,” says Erling Borgen, head of PEN Norway’s new Americas Committee.
PEN Norway’s Americas Committee members include Thorbjørn Jagland, Mads Andenæs, Rune Ottosen, Annette Groth, Eva Stenbro, and William Nygaard, all of whom previously served on PEN Norway’s Assange Committee.
The committee will work to strengthen cooperation with PEN International and its many offices across Latin America. It will also provide analysis, monitoring, and public awareness of threats to freedom of expression in the region, including from powerful actors such as the U.S. government.
Global Solidarity is a Key Principle in Defending Freedom of Expression. Attacks on freedom of expression in one country can have far-reaching consequences. Whether they occur in Washington D.C., Caracas, or Managua, we must view them in their global context and respond collectively. PEN Norway is committed to playing a pivotal role in this collective effort, says Frydnes.
PEN Norway has nine expert committees that address freedom of expression in various thematic and geographic areas. Read more about PEN Norway’s work: https://norskpen.no/hvem-er-vi/
Do you have questions about PEN Norway’s Americas Committee or our work? Get in touch with us!
Siri Berge Engerud
Communications Advisor
