ISLAMABAD, August 12, 2026: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) marked International Youth Day and International Humanitarian Law Day 2026 with a call for young people to take a more active role in humanitarian action, responsible communication and community resilience.
The observance, held at PRCS National Headquarters under the title “Youth as Advocates for a Better Tomorrow,” brought together diplomats, humanitarian organizations, Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, PRCS staff and volunteers.
International Youth Day was observed under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
PRCS Calls on Youth to Become Advocates for Humanity
Addressing the gathering, PRCS Chairperson Farzhana Naek said young people have a critical role to play in protecting human dignity, supporting vulnerable communities and responding to humanitarian emergencies.
She said PRCS is strengthening its volunteer network through the recently launched Red Million Initiative, which aims to equip young people with practical skills, training and confidence to serve communities more effectively.
Naek said the organization is also preparing youth to deal with emerging humanitarian challenges, including International Humanitarian Law, protection concerns and harmful information.
She urged young people to verify information before sharing it and to use both digital platforms and community networks to promote understanding rather than division.
Harmful Information Seen as Growing Humanitarian Risk
IFRC Head of Delegation Andreas von Weissenberg highlighted the growing impact of misinformation, disinformation and other harmful information during crises.
Referring to the World Disasters Report 2026, he said harmful information can undermine access to humanitarian assistance, weaken public trust, damage social cohesion and create additional risks for both communities and aid workers.
He praised PRCS staff and volunteers for raising awareness of the issue and strengthening humanitarian response capacity.
Volunteers Called Backbone of Red Crescent Movement
In his welcome remarks, the PRCS Secretary General said the joint observance of Youth Day and IHL Day underscored the central role of young volunteers in promoting humanity and protecting dignity.
He said PRCS volunteers contribute to disaster response, first aid, health services, social welfare and community resilience across Pakistan.
He also stressed the importance of humanitarian law, responsible communication and sustained support from Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners.
IHL Session, Youth Documentaries Featured
The event included an interactive session on International Humanitarian Law, moderated by ICRC Legal Advisor in Pakistan Usman Khan.
A documentary on 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 on misinformation, disinformation and harmful information.
Volunteer-produced documentaries from the Youth Mentorship Programme were showcased, while a tableau titled “Misinformation and Crisis Response” highlighted how false or misleading information can complicate emergency response.
Youth Volunteers Honoured for Humanitarian Service
Certificates were awarded to Youth Mentorship Programme graduates, while representatives of PRCS Youth Clubs received shields in recognition of their humanitarian services.
A special shield was presented to Imran Shah, a Restoring Family Links volunteer serving at the Humanitarian Service Point at the Pak-Afghan Chaman border, for his contribution to the programme.
The ceremony concluded with recognition of PRCS staff, volunteers, youth clubs and humanitarian partners for their work in strengthening volunteerism, humanitarian action and community resilience across Pakistan.
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