3rd International Cartoon Contest "Human Rights Association Istanbul Branch"/Turkey2026

Theme: "CHILDREN’S RIGHTS".

Deadline: November 1, 2026.

Human Rights Association Istanbul Branch

Today, in many parts of the world, children are struggling to survive under the shadow of war, poverty, discrimination, violence, and inequality. Yet every child has the right to live in safety, to receive education, to play, to express themselves, and to build their future freely. These rights cannot be postponed or ignored.

Art can sometimes express with a single line what long reports fail to explain. Cartoon art, in particular, is one of the strongest languages of humor and criticism. It can make visible a child’s silent cry, an injustice, or the hope for a better future within a single frame.

As the Culture and Arts Commission of the Human Rights Association Istanbul Branch, the theme of this year’s 3rd International Cartoon Competition is Children’s Rights. Our aim is to be the voice of children, to draw attention to violations of their rights, and to create a shared conscience through the universal language of art. Because we believe that a world where children do not smile is not truly livable for any of us.

We would like to thank all artists who draw justice with their pens and nurture hope through their lines. Together, we wish to strengthen the hope for a world where children can live freely, equally, and in peace.

Because every child is the beginning of a fairer world.

Because if a child falls silent, the future falls silent.

And we know this well:

1. A child’s smile is the most beautiful picture of peace. The competition is open to all amateur and professional artists worldwide, as well as all participants under the age of 18.

2. The theme of the competition has been determined as "CHILDREN’S RIGHTS".

3. Participants are free to use any technique in their works. The submitted works may have been published before, but they must not have received any awards in previous competitions.

4. Works produced with Artificial Intelligence will not be accepted.

5. The competition consists of two categories: Adult Category and Under 18 Category.

6. A digital certificate will be sent to all participating artists.

7. Participants may submit as many works as they wish. However, no artist may receive more than one award.

8. Submitted cartoons must be in JPG format, with a maximum size of A3 (29.7 cm x 42 cm) and a resolution of 300 dpi.

9. Along with their works, all artists must send their full name, postal address, telephone number, e-mail address, short biography, age, and one photograph. Participants under the age of 18 must обязательно state their date of birth.

10. The exhibition and award ceremony of the competition will be held in Istanbul on a date to be announced later. Awards of those unable to attend the ceremony will be sent to their addresses.

11. All cartoonists participating in the competition are deemed to have accepted all conditions.

12. The competition is organized by the Culture and Arts Commission of the Human Rights Association Istanbul Branch.

13. Whether awarded or not, submitted cartoons may be used by the organizing institution in exhibitions, posters, books, albums, e-albums, calendars, brochures, and similar publications, and may also be published online.

14. Entries must be sent by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than November 1, 2026.

15. The competition results will be announced in December.

16. AWARDS

Adult Category:

First Prize: Plaque

Second Prize: Plaque

Third Prize: Plaque

Under 18 Category:

First Prize: Plaque

Second Prize: Plaque

Third Prize: Plaque