The Irish PEN Freedom to Write event has become a regular fixture in the John Hewitt International Summer school programme. Irish PEN events explore themes such as conflict, censorship, displacement, translation and the lived experiences of writers under repressive regimes. The focus is on the challenges to writers of living in contentious, restrictive circumstances, often under threat of imprisonment or losing their lives. The message ultimately is one of hope, courage and resilience, and the power of literature to preserve ideals of humanity. 

We are proud to present this year’s speaker, prominent international Human Rights Lawyer and barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher, KC, who is also Special Rapporteur on Child Protection in Ireland. Ms. Gallagher has worked on many high-profile cases involving threats to, and punitive measures directed at, writers and journalists around the world, including Maria Ressa and Jimmy Lai.