Key Three: PEN International
HRAFF exists to create an ecosystem of individuals and organisations who champion creativity and human rights. As part of this mission, we are proud to partner with various community organisations who are already leading the way in this regard, to offer three practical steps that our audience can take to join the movement for social change.
Audience at HRAFF 2021. Photography by Sam Amar.
We all have a role to play in defending the right to freedom of expression. As part of HRAFF 2021, our community partner PEN International has shared three key actions you can take to fight for those who are denied a voice and persecuted for speaking out.
The PEN Melbourne Centre is one of 147 PEN International centres worldwide whose members defend freedom of expression and promote the written word. PEN Melbourne brings writers together from across cultures to share experiences, ideas and conduct public conversations about how literature transforms, influences and fosters cross-cultural exchange. PEN Melbourne focuses on women writers, First Nations writers, writers in prison, and in the Asia and Pacific region.
Action # 1: Write for the release of Yang Hengjun
Demand the release of Australian novelist, blogger and political commentator Yang Hengjun who was abducted and charged with espionage by Chinese intelligence while visiting his family.
Action # 2: Support Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Make a submission to the Indigenous Voice co-design process and support the fight to have Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enshrined in the constitution.
Action # 3: Write to Selahattin Demirtas
Send a letter to show solidarity with the prominent politician and persecuted writer Selahattin Demirtas while he is imprisoned in Turkey.
