The Universal Human Rights Student Network (UHRSN) based in Vienna, Austria is organizing its very first human rights poetry contest. Given the plights refugees are facing on a daily basis and the current widespread media coverage of the so-called “refugee crisis in Europe” this year’s theme is “Refugees and their message to Europe”
UHRSN is convinced that all people should have the right to a life lived with dignity free from fear, persecution and oppression. As widely reported, people in search of this life seeking asylum in European countries are in many instances denied just that – their fundamental rights. UHRSN also aims to utilize the power of poetry and the positive impact words can have to raise awareness for an issue that cannot be ignored. In this sense the poetry competition was established to provide refugees, migrants, students, sympathisers, etc. with an avenue
- to create thought-provoking poems by reflecting on their experiences, wishes, dreams and hopes
- to raise awareness amongst stakeholders, politicians, ordinary EU citizens, etc. on the fate of refugees in- and outside of Europe
- to demonstrate that #refugees are welcome and advocate for their rights
- to be creative
Ultimately, the goal of this poetry award is for participants to express themselves by sharing their message with Europe, subsequently, urging leaders and citizens alike to take action and ensure that the human rights of refugees and asylum-seekers are upheld and that conducive conditions for legal entry procedures for people in need of international protection are established.
Eligibility
The human rights poetry award is open from 30th of September until20th November. While everyone is permitted to participate, students, migrants and refugees are especially encouraged to take part in the competition. Submissions contrary to the spirit of human rights and the values UHRSN represents and fights for will not be considered. Team members of “Respond” and their family members are not eligible for the poetry competition.
Format
The poems must be in English and cannot be longer than 200 words. All poems have to be submitted through the poetry submission form on www.uhrsn.org.
Prizes
1st prize – 300 Euros and a certificate
2nd prize – 200 Euros and a certificate
3rd prize – 100 Euros and a certificate
Furthermore chosen poems will be read out live on air on Radio Orange 94.0 – the largest community radio station in German speaking countries. Prior to the public announcement of the winning poems the authors will be notified by UHRSN.
For More information and to apply visit here
Deadline: November 20, 2015
