BY: ANI Correspondent;
ISLAMABAD — 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.
The event was attended by ambassadors and diplomats, humanitarian organizations, representatives of IFRC and ICRC, Norwegian Red Cross, Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay), German Red Cross, and PRCS staff and volunteers.
PRCS Chairperson Mrs. Farzhana Naek highlighted the vital role of young people in promoting humanity, protecting dignity and building a better future. Referring to the recently launched Red Million Initiative, she said PRCS was strengthening its volunteer network by equipping youth with the knowledge, skills, training and confidence needed to support vulnerable communities during emergencies.
She urged young people to become responsible advocates for humanity both online and within their communities, emphasizing the need to verify information before sharing it and to promote understanding rather than division.
IFRC Head of Delegation Mr. Andreas von Weissenberg highlighted the growing humanitarian impact of harmful information, noting that misinformation and disinformation can undermine access to aid, erode public trust, weaken social cohesion and increase risks for humanitarian workers and communities.
The ceremony featured an interactive session on International Humanitarian Law, documentaries on the history of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, video messages on harmful information, and documentaries produced by volunteers under the Youth Mentorship Programme.
A tableau titled “Misinformation and Crisis Response” highlighted the damaging effects of harmful information during emergencies and was highly appreciated by the audience.
Certificates were distributed among graduates of the Youth Mentorship Programme, while shields were presented to representatives of PRCS Youth Clubs in recognition of their humanitarian services. A special shield was also awarded 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 humanitarian action, volunteerism and community resilience across Pakistan.
