PEN International and Ibero-American Group of Publishers form new alliance against censorship
“This partnership reflects a simple but powerful belief: Writers and publishers are natural allies in the defence of free expression. They are stronger when they stand together. We are thrilled to join forces with GIE, creating new opportunities to stand alongside one another when books, ideas and the people behind them come under attack”, said Burhan Sommez, President of PEN International.
22 September 2026: PEN International and the Ibero-American Group of Publishers (GIE) are pleased to announce their new partnership, strengthening cooperation between writers, publishers and PEN Centres across Latin America and Spain to promote and defend freedom of expression, editorial freedom and the freedom to publish.
The agreement establishes a framework for sustained regional cooperation, creating a bridge between the publishing sector and PEN International and its Centres to share information, expertise and strategies in response to threats to books, authors, publishers and the free circulation of ideas.
Through the partnership, PEN International and GIE will work together to promote literature, as well as monitor censorship and attacks against freedom of expression and editorial freedom, assess reported cases and raise awareness of violations. Where appropriate, the organisations will coordinate advocacy and support strategies for authors and publishers who are censored, persecuted or otherwise at risk because of their ideas or work.
“Books exist because ideas find people willing to write, publish and share them. Our partnership with PEN International brings together two communities that believe deeply in protecting that freedom. We are proud to join forces and strengthen solidarity across Ibero-America and beyond”, said José Ignacio Echeverría, President of Iberoamerican Group of Publishers.
The partnership builds on the shared values of PEN International and GIE, recognising that writers, publishers and books play a vital role in enabling people to exchange ideas, challenge power and participate fully in cultural and public life.
By strengthening connections between the publishing sector and PEN’s global network, the agreement aims to support a stronger, more coordinated response to censorship and threats to freedom of expression, while creating new opportunities to promote literature, reading and the free exchange of ideas throughout Ibero-America.
Note to Editors:
About the Ibero-American Group of Publishers
The Ibero-American Group of Publishers (GIE) is a regional publishing organisation bringing together publishing chambers and associations across Latin America and Spain. Founded in 1978, GIE works to represent and strengthen the publishing sector, with a focus on the circulation of books, intellectual property, reading and the freedom to publish. GIE states that it represents publishing organisations across 20 countries and works with international organisations including the International Publishers Association, UNESCO, among others. Its work includes promoting cooperation across the publishing sector, advocating for policies that support books and reading, and defending freedom of expression, intellectual creation, copyright and the free circulation of books.
About PEN International
PEN International is the foremost and largest association of writers which stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression around the world. Founded in London in 1921, PEN International – PEN’s Secretariat – connects an international community of writers. PEN operates across five continents through over 130 Centres in over 100 countries. It is a forum where writers meet freely to discuss their work; it is also a voice speaking out for writers silenced in their own countries. PEN International works to promote the PEN Charter to ensure that people everywhere have the freedom to create literature, to impart information and ideas, to express their views, and to access the views, ideas, and literatures of others. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of literature to transform the world. In 2021, PEN International celebrated its Centenary. More than a hundred years since its foundation, today PEN International is recognised as well as a leading international charity and expert on freedom of expression.
Contacts:
For more information about the partnership, please contact Alicia Quiñones, Head of the Americas Region, PEN International: [email protected]
For media queries, please contact Sabrina Tucci, Head of Communications and Campaigns, PEN International: [email protected]