cartoon by Steve Benson (Arizona Republic)
Each year CRNI gives its Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award to a cartoonist who is in great danger or has demonstrated exceptional courage in the exercise of free speech rights, or both.
CRNI created the award to draw public and media attention to the perilous circumstances of these brave individuals, and to bring international pressure on those threatening their free speech and human rights.
This kind of recognition from a US-based international organization like CRNI can often act as a powerful deterrent to foreign governments working under the assumption that their actions will go unnoticed.
The award comes with a $1000 cash prize, which in many places can have a major impact on the financial stability of the recipient and his/her family – often the first target of the authorities’ actions to silence them.
Award Policy and Guidelines
CRNI a human rights organization focused on protecting the rights of editorial cartoonists around the world. The basis for our international efforts is Article 19 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, which acknowledges the universal right of individuals to express themselves freely and without fear or censorship.
Each year we give the Courage Award to a cartoonist who is in danger for one reason: for expressing his or her free speech rights. We do not award a cartoon. We make no comment on the quality or intent of a specific cartoon. We award a cartoonist under threat or attack.
We will not award a cartoonist if, in the majority view of our Board, his or her work advocates violence or hate.
Each year our Board choses the recipient from the nominated cartoonists. Nominations are accepted between March 1st and May 31st of the calendar year of the award. Anyone can nominate a candidate. Simply click on the link to email us your nomination, including the name and location of the cartoonist, their circumstances as you understand them, and a brief explanation supporting your nomination. Email us your Courage Award nomination
