'Young Humanitarian Writer Competition' Spreads Power Of Humanity

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- The Young Humanitarian Writer Competition was launched Tuesday, to raise awareness on the most pressing humanitarian challenges among young people. Organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and National Press Club (NPC), in cooperation with the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC), the competition aims to encourage young people to better understand and discuss issues related to international humanitarian law (IHL), humanitarian action and humanitarian principles. The competition is in commemoration of the Battle of Solferino on June 24, 1859. It was the battle that led to the birth of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and IHL. NPC president Mokhtar Hussain said the competition was open to all Malaysian writers aged between 18 and 30, and not just journalists. "We would like to see young people getting involved in citizen journalism - so think fast, think sharp and produce quality humanitarian pieces," he said in a statement here Tuesday. ICRC regional delegation head in Kuala Lumpur, Jeremy England said the launch of the competition this year had a special resonance for them as they commemorated the continuing relevance and importance of the fundamental principles in humanitarian service. MRC secretary-general, Sayed A. Rahman Sayed Mohd recognised that many young people in Malaysia kept abreast of global current affairs and were passionate about humanitarian issues. The competition is inspired by Swiss businessman Henry Dunant, who many say was the first citizen journalist. In 1862, he self-published a book, 'A Memory of Solferino', detailing his personal account of the horrific scenes of the Battle of Solferino, and was determined to provide care for injured and dying soldiers. It was this vision that led to the birth of the International Red Cross and Red Cresent Movement and Geneva Conventions, the main body of IHL. For further information on the competition, contact kualalumpur@icrc.org. -- BERNAMA