DUSHANBE, March 10, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- The Regional Delegation of the International Committee of Red Cross (IRCR) for Central Asia has announced the competition among reporters working for print and electronic media in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan for the best works covering humanitarian activities in Central Asia and the world and role of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in responding to humanitarian challenges of the present.

According to the ICRC Dushanbe Office, the motto of the competition is “Humanitarian Activity and Challenges of the Present.”

In their works, journalists should touch up problems related to concept and significance of humanitarian activity at the beginning of the 21st century, principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL), dissemination of knowledge of IHL, etc.

The contest jury will consider informational materials that were published in print media or aired in electronic media from January 1 to June 18, 2010.  The deadline for applications is June 30, 2010.

The ICRC has worked in Central Asia since 1992.  It promotes the importance of international humanitarian law (IHL) and its incorporation into national legislation, as well as civilian educational programs.  The ICRC also fosters the permanent integration of IHL into the doctrine, manuals and training programs of armed forces and approaches polices forces with a similar view to integrating human rights standards applicable to the use of force during social unrest.  The ICRC contributes to building the capacity of the region''s National Societies, particularly through IHL dissemination, the re-establishment of family links, mine risk education and assistance to the victims of armed violence.