Mexico: PEN International and CANIEM form strategic partnership to uphold publishing and reading
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“Freedom of expression is essential and the bedrock of all democracies. Amid rising book censorship, we must protect the written word and those who produce, edit and publish it, as well as the rights of readers. Our agreement with CANIEM begins a new phase of cooperation in Mexico and Latin America, defending diverse literary voices”. Jennifer Clement, President Emerita of PEN International
“For the National Chamber of the Mexican Publishing Industry, the freedoms of expression, publication and reading are non-negotiable, despite growing risks. This agreement with PEN International encourages us greatly. By working side by side, we will positively influence the freedoms of writers, publishers and all who depend on a vibrant literary ecosystem.” Mtro. Diego Echeverría Cepeda, President of CANIEM
26 November 2025: PEN International and the National Chamber of the Mexican Publishing Industry (CANIEM) are pleased to announce the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two organisations as part of their efforts to defend, promote and strengthen freedom of expression and artistic expression, including editorial freedom.
In recent years, The Americas have continued a downward spiral in freedom of expression. PEN International’s research shows that Mexico remains among the countries with the highest levels of lethal violence against journalists - with at least eight killed in the last twelve months, possibly in connection with their journalistic work - while authors of investigative works face harassment and stigmatisation for their work including books.
Regional book censorship, a clear assault on equality and the freedoms of reading, education and the press, is further evidence of attempts in some countries in the Americas to rewrite cultural and social narratives and the rise of “cancel culture”. Such actions increase the risk of stigmatisation and threats against authors and publishers targeted by these measures.
Although the United States holds the global record for book censorship — with PEN documenting at least 23,000 banned titles since 2021, including works by Latin American authors such as Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende and Elena Poniatowska — other countries, including Argentina, show similar efforts to remove books and silence authors, particularly women writers.
With alliances such as the one between PEN International and CANIEM, we aim to create new avenues of collaboration with publishers in Mexico and across Latin America. Together, the two organisations and their members will promote the right to free expression and highlight threats against authors, publishers and at-risk books.
The Mexican publishing industry is not immune to these pressures. CANIEM — representing over 220 affiliated publishers and 100 associated companies— has documented that the main challenges to freedom of publication in Mexico stem from rising disinformation, economic pressure on traditional publishing models, narratives that delegitimise editorial work, and setbacks in public policies promoting books and reading. New forms of censorship —including self-censorship, digital harassment, and coordinated attacks on books or authors— requires the sector to reinforce collective defence mechanisms.
Globally, the publishing ecosystem faces similar challenges: market concentration, deteriorating book supply chains, reduced state budgets for book purchases, a loss of spaces for cultural circulation, and more restrictive legislation affecting publishers, bookshops, and creators. In this context, alliances such as the one that between PEN International and CANIEM are crucial to uphold bibliodiversity and ensure society retains access to diverse, challenging and critical ideas —all fundamental to a democratic society.
Note to Editors:
For more information, please contact Alicia Quiñones, Head of the Americas Region, at PEN International, email: [email protected]
For media queries, please contact Sabrina Tucci, PEN International Head of Communications and Campaigns, [email protected]
To discuss Publishers Circle membership, please contact Paul Julien, PEN International Head of Development: [email protected]
CANIEM
The National Chamber of the Mexican Publishing Industry has, since 1964, been the principal representative body of the publishing sector in Mexico. It represents and defends the interests of Mexican publishers, upholding the freedoms of expression, publication and reading, as well as copyright.
CANIEM supports and protects companies and organisations dedicated to book publishing, periodical publications and entities related to editorial production and distribution. Since its founding, it has achieved key milestones in promoting reading, including reforms to publishing legislation, the opening of cultural spaces centred on books, and the consolidation of a guild uniting major actors in the Mexican publishing industry. CANIEM is an essential institution in defending copyright, creativity and cultural promotion. Its governmental recognition places it among the most influential organisations in Mexico’s cultural development.