Humanity Cartoons: International Art for Human Rights

When words fall short, art steps in to fill the void, using visual storytelling to address forced migration and inspire empathy worldwide.

Through the universal language of cartoons, Humanity Cartoons fosters empathy, confronts prejudice, and unites communities.

Initiated by Human Rights Solidarity in partnership with Time to Help UK and the Dialogue Society, this project began with an international cartoon competition that invited artists to explore themes of migration, displacement, and resilience. What started as a simple call for creativity has evolved into a vibrant movement encompassing exhibitions, panel discussions, school workshops, and public events, engaging thousands across the UK and Europe.

Since 2022, we’ve been honoured to receive over 2,200 artworks from talented artists hailing from more than 100 countries. Each piece offers a glimpse into the unique stories that accompany journeys across borders, stories of families separated and reunited, of hope discovered in the most unexpected places. Our curated exhibitions have found homes in universities, cathedrals, community centres, and bustling public squares, ensuring these narratives reach diverse audiences from all walks of life.

Alongside each exhibition, we host enlightening panel discussions featuring academics, artists, activists, and individuals who have experienced migration firsthand. These conversations bridge the gap between visual storytelling and lived experiences, prompting deeper understanding and inspiring meaningful action.

Our events have taken place in renowned venues, including King’s College London, City, University of London, Oxford Academy, Leeds Minster, Sheffield Cathedral, and cultural hubs across Newcastle, Hull, as well as in Belgium, France, and Germany. They serve as gathering places for communities, where questions are raised, stories are shared, and art transforms into powerful advocacy.

Looking ahead, we have ambitious plans to:

• Expand our touring exhibitions to schools, youth centres, and rural communities, reaching those who may not have access to such narratives.
• Develop a digital archive to ensure that the artwork and stories can be accessed by anyone, anywhere.
• Create multilingual educational materials to make our message more accessible to broader audiences.
• Forge partnerships with more universities, galleries, and civil society organizations to amplify our impact.

By continuing to intertwine creativity with human rights education, Humanity Cartoons will persist in building connections, shifting perspectives, and illuminating the realities of displacement, not as mere statistics, but as vital human stories demanding to be seen and heard.

With thanks to our partners and supporters:
King’s College London
City, University of London
Dialogue Society
Time to Help UK
Community donors and volunteers

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