Since 2022, Cartoonists Rights has worked with its partner organization in Geneva, the Freedom Cartoonists Foundation, on an alternating pattern of bi-annual awards presentations recognizing the contribution made by cartoonists exemplifying the spirit of free expression and continuing to work despite difficult circumstances or direct threats to their human rights. In order to cement the partnership, the President of each organization holds an honorary position on the other’s Board of Directors.

These awards are conceived as a means of advocating for the safety and freedom of cartoonists under extreme duress and are ultimately intended as a contribution toward the solution of those problems, and in furtherance of the cartoonists’ careers. Hence, neither is awarded posthumously.

On each occasion at least one cartoonist is honored, however it is not unusual for multiple awards to be given (such are the numbers of potentially worthy recipients). While some of the most talented and well-known cartoonists on Earth have been counted among the winners, the awards are not given in recognition of artistic excellence or lifetime achievements. Rather, they are an acknowledgment of bravery, resilience, and dedication to democratic ideals.

Between the two the International Courage in Cartooning Awards have honored more than forty cartoonists around the world, hailing from Algeria, Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Denmark, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Hungary, India, Iran, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Mexico, Palestine, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tanzania, Türkiye, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, and elsewhere. Alternating from one side of the Atlantic to the other each year, they represent a truly global initiative to support and defend cartoonists’ freedom of expression.

The Kofi Annan Courage in Cartooning Award

Given by Freedom Cartoonists Foundation in even-numbered years and named after the Honorary Chairman of the foundation, the late Dr Kofi Annan, this award is presented in Geneva by the Mayor of the City on World Press Freedom Day (May 3^rd). The award is granted on the recommendation of an independent jury composed of members from different backgrounds: Mayoralty of Geneva, Presidents of the foundation and partner organizations, defenders of human rights and personalities known for their commitment to freedom of expression. Nominees are pre-selected with the help of our partner organizations, Association Cartooning for Peace in Paris and Cartoonists Rights.

The next award will be announced in 2026.

Learn more about the latest winners, Rachita Taneja and Zunzi.

The Robert Russell Courage in Cartooning Award

Given by Cartoonists Rights Network International in odd-numbered years and named after the founder and former Executive Director of the organization, Dr Robert “Bro” Russell, this award is generally presented in Washington, DC. Following an open call for nominations, the Board of Directors select a winner or winners from a shortlist prepared by the Executive Director. In past years, the award was given as part of the program at the annual convention of the Association of America Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC) and on one occasion at the Stanley Awards, given by the Australian Cartoonists Association (ACA).

The next award will be announced in 2025.

Learn more about the latest winner, Abecor