The York local group of Amnesty International UK launched their first ever short story competition - on the theme of "Borders". Its aim is to increase awareness of our human rights.

The competition is for original, unpublished fictional stories up to 1700 words. The winning writer will receive £50 and the story will be published on the group's website. Entrants must be at least sixteen years old and based in the United Kingdom.

Full details are here.

What do stories have to do with our human rights? Archbishop Desmond Tutu writes: "They are all bound up with this wonderful talent we humans have: to empathise with others. … Through empathy we overcome prejudice, develop tolerance and ultimately understand love. Stories can bring understanding, healing, reconciliation and unity."