Reporters Without Borders publishes 100 cartoons by Cartooning for Peace for press freedom

On 5 December, Reporters Without Borders will publish a book devoted solely to the work of newspaper cartoonists: 100 cartoons by Cartooning for Peace for press freedom. It contains cartoons by more that 50 cartoonists from all over the world about freedom of expression, the current state of the world and the very topical issue of “the world under surveillance.” This is the first time that Reporters Without Borders has brought out a book of cartoons instead of photographs since it began publishing its press freedom books in 1992. With a print run of 120,000 copies, it will be sold in France and more than 30 other countries. All the proceeds from the sales will be used to help fund Reporters Without Borders’ activities in the field in support of journalists and bloggers. This enables RWB to promote and defend freedom of information in more than 130 countries in a completely independent manner. “This book is exceptional and essential for two reasons”, Reporters Without Borders secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. “It uses humour and irony to show news developments from a different angle, and it pays tribute to cartoonists who often pay a high price for their freedom of spirit.” The French cartoonist Plantu, who co-founded Cartooning for Peace in 2006 with then UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, said: “We must encourage these artists. They are also journalists in their own right and I thank Reporters Without Borders for turning the spotlight on such an eloquent form of writing as the cartoon, writing based on the image!” Kofi Annan, who is Cartooning for Peace’s honorary president, said in a previously unpublished statement: “Reporters Without Borders has compiled a collection of images which individually, and collectively, convey a powerful message. It is a reminder of the challenges that reporters continue to face in many parts of the world, and of the importance of organizations such as Reporters Without Borders. Their work to safeguard freedom of information and to protect and support journalists is helping to create more open and transparent societies.” A digital version of the book with added content will soon be available through the Apple Store.