HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION ISTANBUL BRANCH 3rd INTERNATIONAL CARTOON CONTEST 2026
International Cartoon Competition on Children’s Rights
Theme: Children’s Rights
Submission Deadline: November 1, 2026
Entry Fee: Not specified in the published rules
Eligibility: International
Who Can Enter: Amateur and professional cartoonists worldwide, including participants under 18
Organizer: Culture and Arts Commission of the Human Rights Association Istanbul Branch
About the Competition
In many parts of the world, children struggle to survive amid war, poverty, discrimination, violence, and inequality. Every child has the right to live safely, receive an education, play, express themselves, and build their future freely.
Art can sometimes communicate through a single line what lengthy reports cannot. Cartooning is a powerful form of visual expression that combines humor and criticism to draw attention to injustice, violations of children’s rights, and the hope for a fairer future.
Organized by the Culture and Arts Commission of the Human Rights Association Istanbul Branch, this competition aims to raise awareness of children’s rights and give a voice to children through the universal language of cartoon art.
Eligibility and Rules
- The competition is open to amateur and professional cartoonists worldwide. Participants under the age of 18 may also enter.
- The theme is “Children’s Rights.”
- Any artistic technique may be used.
- Previously published cartoons are accepted, provided they have not won an award in another competition.
- Artwork created using artificial intelligence (AI) will not be accepted.
- There are two categories: Adult and Under 18.
- Participants may submit any number of cartoons, but each artist may receive no more than one award.
- All participating artists will receive a digital participation certificate.
Artwork Specifications
- File format: JPG
- Maximum size: A3 (29.7 × 42 cm)
- Resolution: 300 dpi
How to Enter
Submit your cartoons by email. Each submission must include the following information:
- Full name
- Postal address
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Short biography
- Age
- One personal photograph
Participants under 18 must also provide their date of birth.
Submission email: ihdhumanrightscartoons@gmail.com
Deadline: November 1, 2026.
Awards
Adult Category
- First Prize: Plaque
- Second Prize: Plaque
- Third Prize: Plaque
Under 18 Category
- First Prize: Plaque
- Second Prize: Plaque
- Third Prize: Plaque
Results, Exhibition, and Awards Ceremony
The results are scheduled to be announced in December 2026. The exhibition and awards ceremony will take place in Istanbul, Türkiye, on a date to be announced. Awards will be mailed to winners who cannot attend the ceremony.
Jury
- Altan Özeskici — Cartoonist, Türkiye
- Aşkın Ayrancıoğlu — Cartoonist, Türkiye
- Defne Demirci — Child Cartoonist, Türkiye
- Marian Avramescu — Cartoonist, Romania
- Musa Keklik — Cartoonist, Türkiye
- Savaş Ünlü — Children’s Book Author, Türkiye
Important Copyright and Usage Notice
Regardless of whether a cartoon receives an award, the organizers may use submitted works in exhibitions, posters, books, albums, e-albums, calendars, brochures, and similar publications. Works may also be published online. Artists should review this condition carefully before entering.
Organizer: Culture and Arts Commission of the Human Rights Association Istanbul Branch
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL COMPETITION WEBSITE
