Presented by CARTOONISTS RIGHTS in odd-numbered years and named after the founder and former Executive Director of the organization, Dr Robert “Bro” Russell, our next Courage in Cartooning Award will be announced May 5th at a special event to mark World Press Freedom Day and taking place at the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship (IDJC) at Syracuse University (Washington, DC).
Join some of the country’s best cartoonists for a spirited discussion of the importance of satire and free expression in an increasingly humor-intolerant world run by thin-skinned, would-be “kings”! Marking UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2025.
Entry is free, but registration is essential.
Light refreshments will be served.
Host: Margaret Talev (director, IDJC)
Moderator: Roslyn Mazer (legal expert and former federal official)
Keynote: Katherine Jacobsen (U.S.A, Canada, and Caribbean program coordinator, Committee to Protect Journalists) – findings from a new report on the first 100 days of the second Trump administration
Panelists: Barry Blitt (The New Yorker); Kevin “KAL” Kallaugher (Baltimore Sun, The Economist); Joel Pett (Tribune Content Agency); Signe Wilkinson (The Philadelphia Daily News & Inquirer)
The event will include the announcement of the Robert Russell Courage in Cartooning Ward, presented by Cartoonists Rights.
With thanks to partners and sponsors: Freedom Cartoonists Foundation; Committee to Protect Journalists; Clin d’Oeil films; the Herblock Foundation.
Two partner organizations on either side of the Atlantic combine forces with a unified program of international awards, recognizing the world’s bravest cartoonists facing threats to their freedom of expression: the Robert Russell Courage in Cartooning Award (in odd years, awarded by CARTOONISTS RIGHTS, Washington, DC); and the Kofi Annan Courage in Cartooning Award (in even years, awarded by FREEDOM CARTOONISTS, Geneva).
Founded in 1999, Cartoonists Rights was the first global human rights organization to focus on protection of politically engaged cartoonists working under threat. Our work has helped cartoonists all over the world with legal, financial, emotional and moral assistance so that they can do what they do best; speak truth to power and advocate against the injustices of this world. A key component of our program is the presentation of awards in recognition of cartoonists’ courage.
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, held on or as near as possible to World Press Freedom Day and 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 recognized 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.
Learn about Rachita Taneja and Zunzi, last year’s awardees in Geneva.
Learn about Abecor, the previous recipient of our award.
Discover more about the 2025 World Press Freedom Day program.
