Human Rights Day writing competition

COLOMBO: The United Nations Department of Public Information in conjunction with the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights, is conducting a children's writing competition on "Human Rights and Poverty" to mark this year's Human Rights Day which falls on 10 December.

The contest is open for children and youth between 8 to 18 years of age and entries must be sent by e-mail to [email protected] to be received no later than December 10.

Choose one of the following two topics:

1. Pick one article from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and use an example from real life to illustrate how the violation of this right is a consequence of living in poverty. Include any suggestions you may have on how poverty can be reduced so that this right is not violated; or

2. Pick one article from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and use an example from real life to illustrate how the violation of this right can cause poverty. Include any suggestions you may have on what can be done to protect this right so that it does not lead to poverty.

Entries should be one page only (maximum 800 words) written in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese or Arabic. Articles not written in one of these languages will not be judged. Entries will be judged on writing style, originality and how well you answered the question listed above.

Three winning entries will be chosen from each of the following regions: Latin America and the Caribbean, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, North America, Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States and Africa.

One winning entry will be chosen from each of the age groups: 8-12; 13-15 and 16-18 from each region. Each winner will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, together with a prize pack.

All winning entries will be published on the UN Cyberschoolbus website. Winners will be required to provide proof of their date of birth. Further details can be found at the website: www.un.org/cyberschoolbus.