Human rights are a subject of paramount importance in our society. Unfortunately, many violations of these fundamental rights still take place every day around the world. In order to highlight this reality and raise awareness about issues related to human rights, Cartooning for Peace, an international organization bringing together committed press cartoonists, is organizing an exhibition of drawings questioning the state of human rights in the world.
This exhibition, which will be held from October 7, 2023 to January 28, 2024 in Liège, Belgium, celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted in 1948. Through press cartoons produced by European and international artists, the exhibition will address different themes such as democracy, gender equality, social rights, freedom of the press, peace, migration, education and health.
The objective of this exhibition is to challenge the public on the fundamental rights which are essential to our societies, but which are still too often violated. The drawings, which are both fun, educational and engaging, will depict concrete situations where human rights are violated, and will thus open up debate on these crucial issues.
Among the cartoonists who will participate in this exhibition, we notably find Nicolas Vadot, a Belgian cartoonist recognized for his commitment to human rights. His drawings, which are regularly published in media such as Le Vif/L’Express and L’Écho, address topics related to current events and question respect for human rights and the reception of migrants at European borders.
Cartooning for Peace, of which Vadot was vice-president from 2013 to 2017, is an international network of committed cartoonists who use press cartoons as a means of expression and awareness. Their goal is to promote freedom of expression, human rights and mutual respect between people of different cultures and beliefs.
By celebrating 75 years of the UDHR through this exhibition, Cartooning for Peace reminds us that human rights are not only a reality to be achieved, but also an ideal to be preserved and promoted. By questioning fundamental rights through the prism of press cartoons, this exhibition invites us to reflect on the actions that we can all take to ensure these rights are respected, both on an individual and collective level.