To everyone who sees the importance of freedom of expression
Since its founding in 1971 PEN Emergency Fund has been of crucial importance for assisting writers who have been persecuted and are in acute financial need. Many of them had to flee their country or needed medication after imprisonment. Their families may be in distress. The Fund cooperates closely with PEN International. It operates with minimal overhead, the communication lines are short. The money can quickly be transferred to the writers who need it, sometimes on the day of application. The financial support by the Fund has saved lives!
During the economic crisis in the recent past subsidies and other contributions to the Fund have been reduced significantly. The Fund, that had been financially stable for decades, is steadily eating its reserves, while the number of applications – now about 25 to 50 per year – is growing. This is not sustainable. That’s why we appeal to everyone who sees the importance of freedom of expression to make a donation to PEN Emergency Fund, so that we can continue this important work. Even the smallest amount is welcome.
Job Degenaar, president
Wim Jurg, treasurer
Board and Advisory board
Board: Job Degenaar – Wim Jurg – René Appel
Advisory Board: Eric Lax (USA) – Joanne Leedom-Ackerman (USA) – Larry Siems (USA) – Eugene Schoulgin (Sweden/Turkey) – Tienchi Martin-Liao (China/Germany) – David Van Reybrouck (Belgium) – Rudolf Geel (Netherlands)
PEN Emergency Fund, Amsterdam
BANK: ABN AMRO Bank, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
IBAN: NL97 ABNA 0430 2740 33
BIC: ABNANL2A
Please mention the word ‘gift’ and your name and address.
