Protecting Linguistic Rights and Human Rights

We are committed to the respect of all languages, and the protection and promotion of indigenous or minoritised languages.

Every year on 21 February, PEN International joins other organisations advocating for linguistic rights via International Mother Language Dayto promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

Our campaigns protecting linguistic rights

International Mother Language Day 2025: Take Action for Andrzej Poczobut (Belarus) 

In 2025, we took action for Belarusian-Polish writer, journalist and minority activist Andrzej Poczobut who is serving an eight-year sentence in a high-security penal colony, on trumped up charges of inciting hatred and encouraging sanctions aimed at harming the national security of Belarus.