PRCS Marks International Youth and Humanitarian Law Days 2026

10 September, 2026

Press Release

PRCS Marks International Youth and Humanitarian Law Days with Call for Youth to Champion Humanity

Islamabad, 12 August 2026: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) observed International Youth Day and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day 2026 with a ceremony titled “Youth as Advocates for a Better Tomorrow” at its National Headquarters in Islamabad. International Youth Day was observed under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”

The event brought together ambassadors and diplomats, humanitarian and relief organizations, Heads of Delegation and representatives of IFRC, ICRC, Norwegian Red Cross, Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay), German Red Cross, PRCS staff, and volunteers.

Addressing the gathering, PRCS Chairperson Mrs. Farzhana Naek highlighted the crucial role of young people in promoting humanity, protecting dignity, and building a better future. Referring to the recently launched Red Million Initiative, she emphasized PRCS's efforts to strengthen its volunteer network by equipping youth with the knowledge, skills, training, and confidence needed to serve communities and support vulnerable people during emergencies.

Mrs. Naek also highlighted the importance of preparing young people to address emerging humanitarian challenges, including International Humanitarian Law, protection, and harmful information. She encouraged youth to become responsible advocates for humanity both online and within their communities, stressing the importance of verifying information before sharing it and promoting understanding rather than division.

IFRC Head of Delegation Mr. Andreas von Weissenberg highlighted the growing humanitarian impact of harmful information, referring to the World Disasters Report 2026 and its focus on how harmful information can undermine access to humanitarian assistance, erode trust, destabilize social cohesion, and increase risks for humanitarian personnel and communities. He appreciated PRCS leadership, staff, and volunteers for advancing awareness and action on this emerging challenge.

In his welcome address, the PRCS Secretary General emphasized that bringing the two observances together highlighted the vital role of youth in promoting humanity and protecting dignity. He described volunteers as the backbone of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and highlighted their contributions to disaster response, first aid, health, social welfare, and community resilience.

The program featured an interactive session on International Humanitarian Law, moderated by ICRC Legal Advisor in Pakistan Mr. Usman Khan. The session began with a video presentation and was followed by an interactive question-and-answer discussion.

A documentary highlighting the history of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the auxiliary role of PRCS was also screened, along with video messages from IFRC and ICRC regional representatives addressing harmful information, misinformation, and disinformation.

Volunteer-produced documentaries developed through the Youth Mentorship Programme were showcased during the ceremony. A tableau titled “Misinformation and Crisis Response” illustrated the consequences of harmful information during emergencies and received strong appreciation from participants.

Certificates were presented to Youth Mentorship Programme graduates, 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, for his outstanding contribution to the Restoring Family Links Programme.

The ceremony concluded with appreciation for PRCS staff, volunteers, youth clubs, and Movement partners for their continued commitment to strengthening humanitarian action, volunteerism, and community resilience across Pakistan.