Each year the IHL Youth Action Campaign focuses on a specific topic of International Humanitarian Law. The theme is chosen by students based on relevant, innovative and engaging topics relevant to current and future armed conflict.
Each year the IHL Youth Action Campaign focuses on a specific topic of International Humanitarian Law. The theme is chosen by students based on relevant, innovative and engaging topics relevant to current and future armed conflict.
This year, participants will explore the role of Journalism in Armed Conflict, delving into how journalists operate in war zones and the unique challenges they face. The program will examine how journalists interact with military forces, the legal protections and obligations they are afforded under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and how these laws apply in real-world scenarios. Participants will also learn how IHL treats media infrastructure, the relationship between social media and the laws of war, and how gender intersects with special protections for journalists in conflict zones.
The American Red Cross International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Art and Essay Competition challenges participants with creating thoughtful and insightful entries around a specific IHL theme. Although the nature of each essay or art submission is up to the creator, entrants are asked to explore topics within the theme, including how the engagement in outer space by public and private actors is regulated by international law.
Submissions will be accepted from Wednesday, October 1, 2025 through Monay, December 1, 2025. The competition is open U.S. citizens and foreign nationals residing in the U.S., overseas U.S. military bases or U.S. territories. Art and Essay entries will be accepted from student categories including Junior High, High School, Undergraduate and Law/Graduate School.
The Annual International Humanitarian Law Youth Action Campaign Pin Contest is open to students who are current American Red Cross volunteers and participants in the IHL Youth Action Campaign. Participants submit art that reflect this year's IHL theme and the top designs will be voted on by current IHL YAC Participants globally.
The winning design will be made into the official annual IHL YAC pin, which will be produced and distributed to Red Cross IHL YAC volunteers around the world!
The Annual IHL Youth Summit is the culminating event of the IHL Youth Action Campaign year. Each Spring, a select number of outstanding advocates and JROTC Cadets are invited to Washington, D.C. on a fully-funded trip that develops their personal skills, grows their network, and expands their knowledge of IHL.
Summit participants are selected from around the world by a panel of Red Cross professionals to represent their regions and divisions. This incredible opportunity reflects one of the highest honors within the IHL YAC program and is a significant achievement for attendees.