Ammon News - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in partnership with the Jordan National Red Crescent Society (JRCS) and the Jordan Media Institute (JMI), announced Wednesday that applications for this year’s Humanitarian Awards are now open.

First held in 2021, the Humanitarian Awards aim at encouraging the reportage on humanitarian issues in Jordan under two categories; stories and photographs published between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022. The closing date for entries is 7 September 2022.

Sarah Avrillaud, Head of the ICRC Delegation in Jordan says: "The ICRC's motivation behind this competition is simply borne out of our conviction that the media in every country should pay attention to the plight of those who end up on the wrong side of a humanitarian crisis so that the reading and viewing public may be better informed. Equally important is the fact that those who make policies or decisions that could impact this category of persons would be able to take informed decisions on issues related to such affected populations."

Mohammad al-Hadid, President of JRCS, said: "The Jordan Red Crescent supports any initiative that sheds light on the humanitarian aspects of the Jordanian society, given the belief of the JRCS in the capabilities and the power of the media and the press in making a change," stressing that this requires motivating, supporting, and encouraging talented journalists to reflect their efforts in photographic and written materials with "a human touch," thereby enhancing the support and the media coverage of the JRCS relief activities.

Mirna Abu Zeid, Dean of the JMI, stated: "The media, by choosing the stories, the angles, and the sources for the topics they report, can influence the course of matters and have the power to further the humanitarian agenda by shedding light on these issues."

It is necessary, she noted, to raise journalists’ awareness of the humanitarian aspect of reporting to contribute to achieving justice. The institute's participation in this competition is an expression of its mission and values, which place human beings as an absolute value and looks to serve their best interest, she added.

The Humanitarian Awards is envisioned as an annual event and upon receipt of entries for the 2022 edition and adjudication by an eminent panel of jurors made up of professionals in journalism and photojournalism, a formal and prestigious ceremony will be held in November 2022 at which the winners will be presented with their awards. First-place winners will win JOD 1000, while second-place winners will win JOD 750, and third-place winners will receive JOD 500.

Those interested in participating in the contest can access the Humanitarian Awards portal here (https://forms.gle/pfBjmUumdKvDv4wz6) or call 0777398794 for further information.