“At this 91st Congress we affirmed that freedom of expression cannot be atomized —whether in defending peace against authoritarianism, protecting our planet, standing with trans and gender-diverse people, or confronting censorship in the United States and beyond. With these resolutions, PEN International and its writers commit to continue using words as acts of conscience, to inspire and take action, and to safeguard the dignity of all living things.” Burhan Sonmez, PEN International President

11 September 2025: At its 91st Congress, held in partnership with Polish PEN from 2 to 5 September 2025 in Kraków, Poland, the Assembly of Delegates of PEN International adopted four urgent resolutions: calling on writers to defend human rights and free expression amid rampant authoritarianism and global conflict; writers and governments to address the climate crisis as the human rights issue of our time; the protection of trans and gender-diverse people’s right to free expression and inclusion; and the protection of free expression in the United States.

Resolution on ‘The Present International Disorder and Breakdown of Peace – The Role of Writers’

The resolution highlights the global rise of authoritarianism, disinformation, and inequality, which are eroding democracy, human rights, and international law. Vulnerable groups are most at risk, while writers and journalists are persecuted for speaking out. It condemns the failure – of the international community -- to stop the genocide in Gaza, the deliberate weakening and corrosion of multilateral institutions, and use of divisive narratives – driven by populist agendas -- to migration. Writers and PEN Centres are urged to defend facts, propel empathy, and hold governments accountable, while governments are called on to contribute to and strengthen multilateral dialogue and uphold freedom of expression. The resolution affirms that democracy and peace are fragile and must be actively defended, with writers playing a vital role in inspiring justice and unity.

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Resolution on Climate Justice

The resolution stresses that the world faces an escalating climate and environmental “polycrisis” caused by fossil fuels, extractive industries, and unsustainable economic systems, which fuel human rights abuses and disproportionately harm vulnerable and Indigenous communities. It highlights shrinking civic space, disinformation, and attacks on environmental defenders, while affirming that the climate emergency is also a profound human rights crisis. Writers are urged to use their voices to inspire action, expose denialism, and support environmental justice, while governments are called to phase out fossil fuels, respect climate agreements, assist poorer countries in meeting their obligations, and posit freedom of expression as central to this need. Literature, the resolution concludes, must be a force for conscience, empathy, and change in the fight for a liveable planet.

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Resolution on Gender Diversity, the Human Rights of Transgender People, and the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda

The resolution reaffirms PEN International’s commitment to defending freedom of expression for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people, facing the sharp edge of the current crisis globally, including ongoing attempts to erase their identities in law and policy, which leave them exposed to rampant hostility, exclusion, and violence worldwide. It calls for the Women, Peace and Security agenda to include all gender identities and condemns restrictive laws that undermine both trans rights and gender justice. Affirming that self-identification is central to free expression, it highlights the vital role of trans writers in exposing injustice and shaping visions of peace and equality. PEN International pledges to amplify their voices, provide support, and advocate for inclusive policies, affirming that true freedom of expression is only possible when all voices can live with equality and without discrimination so that they can speak without fear.

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Resolution on Free Expression in the United States

The resolution condemns the U.S. government’s escalating attacks on freedom of expression, including book bans, educational gag orders, restrictions on academic freedom, censorship of cultural institutions, and threats to press freedom. Writers, journalists, scholars, and marginalised communities, particularly people of colour and LGBTQI+ people, face intimidation, lawsuits, and silencing, while non-citizens risk detention or deportation for their speech. These actions undermine democracy, shrink public debate, and reinforce authoritarian regimes worldwide. PEN International calls on the U.S. to end these abuses and uphold its human rights obligations, and urges the international community to monitor violations, hold the U.S. accountable, and support writers and cultural professionals at risk.

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Note to Editors:  

For more information and media queries, please contact Sabrina Tucci, PEN International Communications and Campaigns Manager,  [email protected]  