This blog series aims to contribute meaningfully to ongoing discussions about the future of humanitarian action by amplifying perspectives that are often under-represented in global debates, particularly those closest to the impacts of current changes. It seeks to complement existing initiatives and platforms by foregrounding reflections from a wide range of actors, including National Societies, local and community-based actors, policy thinkers, researchers, and practitioners.

The series is intended as a forum for reflection rather than a vehicle for institutional positions. Contributions reflect the views of their authors and do not necessarily represent those of the ICRC or the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

All contributions should engage, directly or indirectly, with the overarching question guiding the wider project, namely: what should conflict-affected people reasonably expect from a humanitarian system, or systems, in the current environment and in the future?

We welcome contributions that explore, among other themes:

• trust, legitimacy, and accountability in humanitarian action
• the role and relevance of protection work in shrinking humanitarian space
• locally grounded partnerships, power-sharing, and ways of working
• the implications of climate change, technology, and humanitarian financing
• dilemmas of prioritization and resource scarcity
• evolving delivery models and the changing roles of humanitarian actors

The series deliberately creates space for critical and alternative viewpoints, including analyses that diverge from or challenge ICRC positions. The aim is not to arrive at consensus, but to surface the tensions and competing visions shaping the evolving humanitarian landscape.

We welcome contributions from a diverse range of authors, including:

• individuals with lived experience of conflict or engagement with affected communities
• humanitarian practitioners from UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector
• practitioners and staff from across the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
• local and national humanitarian actors, including women-led and community-based organizations
• researchers, academics, and policy analysts
• young professionals who are at the early stages of their career, whose submissions may also be considered for the Emerging Voices series

Contributions may be submitted by individuals or co-authored. We aim to prioritize submissions by authors who are under-represented in other platforms and fora, notably including people for whom this might be a first publication. While we aim to foster a truly global dialogue, we especially encourage contributions from regions that are often under-represented in international discussions.

A) Written contributions

• Length: Your blog post should contain between 1,500 and 1,800 words. Should you wish to deviate from this range, please discuss it with the editors prior to submission.
• Title: The title of your post is crucial. It should immediately convey the essence of your article in a clear and concise manner. A well-crafted title determines whether someone will read your post. It appears in email subject-headings, on search engines, and when shared on social media. Keep your title short and interesting, ideally between 40–80 characters, and no more than 110 characters in length.
• Abstract: Begin your post with an abstract that introduces and highlights your main points to the reader. The abstract should be italicized and consist of two paragraphs: the first should lay the groundwork by setting the scene or providing the backdrop of your argument; the second should include your name, affiliation, and key takeaway of the post.
• Format: Structure your post with clarity and depth. Use short paragraphs and meaningful subheadings to keep the content accessible. Avoid overly long sentences. If your post spans multiple main points, consider using section breaks with titles or submitting a series of posts on the same topic to maintain clarity and focus.
• Visuals: Enhance your narrative by including relevant images, infographics, or videos. These visuals should complement and enrich the content of your post.

B) Audio and alternative formats

If you are more comfortable sharing your reflections through conversation rather than writing, we are exploring audio formats and other alternatives. We therefore also welcome submissions in the form of a short voice note (3-5 minutes). The editorial team will then follow up to explore suitable options.

C) Languages

Submissions are welcome in English, French, and Spanish. We also have capacity to explore additional languages where feasible, particularly where this enables participation by contributors who may otherwise be excluded.

Our Editorial Policy

Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis by a Reading Committee composed of representatives within and external to the ICRC.

Given the ICRC’s mandate and operational sensitivities, references to specific contexts or places where the ICRC operates will be carefully reviewed prior to publication. Editorial feedback and revisions will be discussed collaboratively with authors.

A submission should fall within the scope of the blog’s subject matter and be in a style suited to the blog’s audience. It should be rigorous, evidence-based, engaging and newsworthy.

A submission should not:

• Have the primary purpose of undermining the ICRC and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,
• Contain claims, allegations or information which could risk the safety of ICRC personnel or continuity of operations in the field,
• Have the primary purpose of denunciating a party to the conflict.

All blog contributors are expected to take note and follow the blog’s editorial policy. The editorial team reserves the right to reject a submission if it falls outside of the blog’s editorial line.

Timeline

• Deadline for submissions or expressions of interest: 13 March
• Selection of an initial set of contributions: 1 April
• Publication of the first series of posts: by end May /early June

Following this first round, the series will be reviewed to assess engagement, thematic coverage, and next steps.

To express interest, please send:

• a short author bio (2–3 lines);
• a short abstract (200–300 words) or voice note briefly describing your proposed contribution; or
• a full and complete article of 1,500 to 1,800 words, drafted according to the guidelines above.

Submissions and expressions of interest should be sent to Elizabeth Rushing (erushing@icrc.org) and Menty Kebede (mkebede@icrc.org).

If you would prefer to develop a longer piece (between 7,000 and 10,000 words) for consideration by the International Review of the Red Cross, you can send your proposal to review@icrc.org while indicating this preference. The Review’s Editorial Team will subsequently contact you to discuss next steps.