ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) on Wednesday marked International Youth Day and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day with a ceremony at its National Headquarters, bringing together diplomats, humanitarian partners, volunteers and young people to highlight the role of youth in advancing humanitarian action, protecting human dignity and countering harmful information during crises. Held under the theme “Youth as Advocates for a Better Tomorrow”, the ceremony coincided …
PRCS marks youth, humanitarian law days, urges youth to champion humanity
ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) on Wednesday marked International Youth Day and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day with a ceremony at its National Headquarters, bringing together diplomats, humanitarian partners, volunteers and young people to highlight the role of youth in advancing humanitarian action, protecting human dignity and countering harmful information during crises.
Held under the theme “Youth as Advocates for a Better Tomorrow”, the ceremony coincided with International Youth Day’s theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” and was attended by ambassadors and diplomats, representatives of IFRC, ICRC, Norwegian Red Cross, Turkish Red Crescent (Kizilay) and German Red Cross, as well as PRCS staff, volunteers and youth representatives.
Addressing the gathering, PRCS Chairperson Mrs Farzhana Naek stressed that young people had a central role in promoting humanity, safeguarding dignity and building resilient communities. Referring to the recently launched Red Million Initiative.
She said PRCS was strengthening its volunteer network by equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, training and confidence needed to serve communities and assist vulnerable people during emergencies.
She said PRCS was also preparing youth to respond to emerging humanitarian challenges, particularly international humanitarian law, protection concerns and harmful information.
She urged young people to become responsible advocates for humanity both online and within their communities, stressing the need to verify information before sharing it and to promote understanding instead of division.
IFRC Head of Delegation Andreas von Weissenberg drew attention to the growing humanitarian consequences of misinformation and other harmful information.
Referring to the World Disasters Report 2026, he said harmful information had emerged as a de facto humanitarian crisis capable of undermining access to aid, eroding public trust, weakening social cohesion and increasing risks for humanitarian workers and affected communities.
He appreciated the leadership of PRCS, along with the dedication of its staff and volunteers, in raising awareness and promoting action against this emerging humanitarian challenge.
In his welcome address, PRCS Secretary General said the convergence of International Youth Day and IHL Day underscored the vital role of young people in promoting humanity and protecting human dignity.
He described volunteers as the backbone of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and a major strength of PRCS, noting that young volunteers were actively contributing to disaster response, first aid, healthcare, social welfare and community resilience.
He also stressed the importance of international humanitarian law, responsible communication and continued cooperation among Movement partners.
The ceremony featured an interactive session on IHL moderated by ICRC Legal Advisor in Pakistan Mr Usman Khan.
The session began with a video presentation and was followed by a question-and-answer session with participants.
A documentary tracing the history of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the auxiliary role of PRCS was also screened.
Video messages from IFRC and ICRC regional representatives highlighted the growing threats posed by harmful information, misinformation and disinformation during humanitarian emergencies.
Volunteer-produced documentaries from the Youth Mentorship Programme were showcased, while a tableau titled “Misinformation and Crisis Response” vividly portrayed how harmful information can aggravate humanitarian emergencies.
The performance received strong appreciation from the audience.
Certificates were presented to graduates of the Youth Mentorship Programme, while shields were awarded to representatives of PRCS Youth Clubs in recognition of their humanitarian services.
A special shield was presented to Mr Imran Shah, an RFL volunteer serving at the Humanitarian Service Point at the Pak-Afghan Chaman border, in recognition of his outstanding contribution and dedicated service to the Restoring Family Links Programme.
The ceremony concluded with appreciation for PRCS staff, volunteers, youth clubs and Movement partners for their continued efforts to strengthen humanitarian action, volunteerism and community resilience across Pakistan.
