Journalism students are invited to test their investigative and writing skills in a Red Cross competition on international humanitarian law (IHL), also known as the laws of war.
"Each year aid workers are attacked, abducted and hindered while trying to carry out their lifesaving activities -despite the fact that they are protected while doing so under IHL. In 2008 alone 260 aid workers were killed or injured in places like Darfur, Kabul and Gaza," said New Zealand Red Cross International Operations Manager Andrew McKie.
In this trans-Tasman competition, run by New Zealand Red Cross, Australian Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross, journalism students are asked to submit a 1,000 word feature focusing on the protection of humanitarian workers in times of armed conflict.
The ‘Let them through and keep them safe' competition is open to students from Australia and New Zealand and has two sections, one for postgraduates and the other for undergraduates studying journalism. First prize in both categories is A$1,000, while second and third place winners will be awarded A$500 and A$250 respectively. Where possible the winning articles will be published. This is the first time the competition has been open to students from both New Zealand and Australia.
"IHL comprises rules which try to limit the effects of armed conflict. The bedrock of IHL and most well known treaties are the Geneva Conventions, which include restrictions on the methods and means of warfare, and lay down protections for certain groups of people.
"Journalists often report on armed conflict - whether it be a case of genocide, a war crime or the use of cluster munitions - and it's vital they have a working knowledge of international humanitarian law. Journalists working in war zones have certain rights and responsibilities and need to know about the laws of war for their own protection," said Mr McKie.
The judging panel will include professional journalists and Red Cross representatives. Entries will be judged on originality, relevance, investigative skills, quality of writing, adherence to the word limit and an understanding of the principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The competition - which was first held in Australia last year - closes on 17 September 2010. Winners will be announced in late October.
To download the competition brochure (pdf), click here.
To obtain the cover sheet that must accompany your entry, click here.
To read the winning story from 2009, click here.
Email your entry to journalistcomp@redcross.org.au.
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