Cartoonists Rights

Cartoonists Rights is a nonprofit organization founded by Bro Russell in 1999 to protect editorial cartoonists whose work puts them at risk. Describing itself as the first global organization dedicated to this purpose, it champions cartoonists’ rights and their freedom to express themselves without fear. The organization highlights cases of artists facing threats, censorship, imprisonment, violence, and exile, and invites supporters to join its campaign as Cartoonist Defenders or contribute through donations.

Since 2022, Cartoonists Rights has partnered with the Geneva-based Freedom Cartoonists Foundation to present alternating international awards for cartoonists who continue working despite direct threats or difficult circumstances. These honors recognize courage, resilience, and commitment to democratic ideals, rather than artistic achievement or lifetime contribution. The awards are intended to advocate for recipients’ safety and freedom and support their careers; they are not presented posthumously. Together, the organizations’ International Courage in Cartooning Awards have honored more than forty cartoonists from countries across the world, building international recognition for those defending freedom of expression through their work.