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Robert Russell: remembrances (pt.2)

Robert Russell: remembrances (pt.2)

by Terry Anderson | Sep 18, 2026 | News

Here we will gather tributes from colleagues who worked with Robert Russell in his organization as well as collaborators and counterparts across the sector.

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Robert Russell: remembrances (pt.1)

Robert Russell: remembrances (pt.1)

by Terry Anderson | Sep 15, 2026 | News

Tributes from past winners of our Courage in Cartooning Award as well as other cartoonists assisted by Robert Russell in his time as our Executive Director.

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Robert Russell: in his own words

Robert Russell: in his own words

by Terry Anderson | Sep 14, 2026 | News

In an extract from a 2018 interview for IJOCA, Robert Russell explains the career & experiences overseas that led to his founding CARTOONISTS RIGHTS.

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Dr. Robert I. Russell: 1942-2026

Dr. Robert I. Russell: 1942-2026

by Terry Anderson | Sep 13, 2026 | News

With great sadness, we announce the death of our organization’s founder, and for many years Executive Director Robert Russell – known to cartoonists around the world as “Bro”.

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Ashraf Omar detained for two years; cartoonist & free expression orgs now demand his freedom!

Ashraf Omar detained for two years; cartoonist & free expression orgs now demand his freedom!

by Terry Anderson | Jul 22, 2026 | News

Sixteen cartoonist and free expression organizations call for the immediate release of Ashraf Omar, who has been unlawfully detained in Egypt for two years.

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Two partner organizations on either side of the Atlantic – Cartoonists Rights and Freedom Cartoonists – combine forces with a unified program of international awards, recognizing the world’s bravest cartoonists facing threats to their freedom of expression:

Awarded on odd years by Cartoonists Rights in Washington, D.C.

To our Award

Awarded on even years by Freedom Cartoonists in Geneva

To their Award
Read more on this international collaboration

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, Uganda, 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 3rd). 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 2028.

Learn more about the latest winners, Safaa Odah and Jimmy Ssentongo.

 

The Robert Russell Courage in Cartooning Award

Given by Cartoonists Rights Network International in odd-numbered years and named after the founder of the organization, the late Dr. Robert “Bro” Russell, this award is generally announced 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 presented as part of the program at the annual convention of the Association of America Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC) as well as the Stanley Awards, given by the Australian Cartoonists Association (ACA), and at the Lakes International Comic Arts Festival (LICAF).

The next award will be announced in 2027.

Learn more about the latest winner, Zehra Ömeroğlu

CARTOONISTS RIGHTS
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