‘Overseas’: A Writing Contest for Young Migrants Originally from or Residing in Lebanon, Libya, and Tunisia

The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) is pleased to announce “Overseas,” a writing contest for young people originally from or currently residing in Lebanon, Libya, or Tunisia, up to 35 years old, who have left their home countries for political or socioeconomic reasons.

This open call asks contestants to share their personal experiences of migration—the challenges they have faced and continue to face and their hopes for themselves and for the future of the country they left behind—in the form of a short-written testimony. The testimonies may describe cases of either regular or irregular migration.

A jury composed of distinguished writers, artists, and human rights advocates from Lebanon, Libya, and Tunisia will evaluate the submissions based on their creativity, originality, and potential to trigger relevant and meaningful reflection, debate, and change. The jury will select five winners with the most compelling testimonies.

The five winners will be invited to participate in an international conference—all expenses paid (travel, accommodation, and other expenses). The conference will bring together policymakers and experts to discuss migration and its close relationship to human rights violations.

The winners will also have the opportunity to take part in a radio program on the topic produced by local media in Lebanon, Libya, or Tunisia, in partnership with ICTJ. Finally, their testimonies and other notable ones from the contest will be featured in a book, as well as on ICTJ’s website and social media channels.