PEN International is a global association of writers, founded in 1921 to promote friendship and intellectual co-operation among writers everywhere. It defends freedom of expression and protects writers from persecution, imprisonment and even death. It works to ensure that writers can write freely and without fear of censorship or reprisal. PEN International has over 140 centres around the world, representing more than 170 countries. It is a non-governmental organisation with consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO and the Council of Europe.