Protecting Poets
We campaign to protect poets and defend their right to express and share their work freely, without fear of censorship or persecution.
Every year on 21 March, PEN International joins others around the world to mark World Poetry Day, celebrating the power of poetry while standing in solidarity with poets at risk.
Our campaigns protecting poets
World Poetry Day 2026: Take Action for Duannis León Taboada (Cuba)
On 21 March 2026, PEN International is taking action for Duannis Dabel León Taboada — a young Cuban poet serving a 14-year prison sentence following his participation in the July 2021 protests.
From 21 March to 17 April, join PEN International in calling on the Cuban authorities to release Duannis Dabel León Taboada immediately and unconditionally, and to guarantee his safety, dignity, and access to adequate medical care while he remains in detention.