UHRSN - Human Rights Poetry Award

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

Eligibility
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.

Prizes
The best poems as established by the jury are compiled and published on the UHRSN Website and in an e-book.

• 1st prize – 300 Euros and a certificate
• 2nd prize – 200 Euros and a certificate
• 3rd prize – 100 Euros and a certificate

Moreinfo: http://www.uhrsn.org/respond-human-rights-poetry-award