Deadline: February 3, 2026
The Academy of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University has opened applications for the 2026 Human Rights Essay Award, inviting law students worldwide to showcase their expertise in international human rights law. Widely recognised as one of the most prestigious legal writing competitions globally, the award offers an exceptional platform for young scholars to deepen their engagement with critical human rights issues while gaining international visibility.
Theme for 2026: The Right to Protest
The selected theme for the 2026 competition is “The right to protest under international human rights law: legal protection and challenges ahead.”
Essays must explore this core theme, but participants may choose any specific angle or subtopic within it. The same topic will also be addressed at the 31st Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition, making this year’s theme particularly relevant for students wishing to engage deeply with contemporary human rights debates.
Through this award, the Academy seeks to encourage rigorous, practice-oriented scholarship that contributes to global understanding of human rights challenges and protections.
A Prestigious Opportunity for Aspiring Human Rights Lawyers
The competition recognises two winners each year:
- Best essay in English
- Best essay in Spanish
Winners receive a full tuition scholarship to attend the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (Diploma or Certificate track). This internationally respected program brings together leading practitioners, scholars and institutions in the field.
Although tuition is fully covered, the award does not include travel, housing or living expenses. In addition, the top essays may be considered for publication in the American University International Law Review, offering a rare opportunity for early-career scholars to be featured in a prominent legal journal.
Eligibility Requirements
The competition is open to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Hold a law degree (LL.B., J.D., or equivalent).
- Applicants from any country may apply.
- Demonstrated interest or experience in international human rights law.
- Previous winners of the Human Rights Essay Award are not eligible.
- Essay must directly relate to the 2026 theme.
- Submissions must follow an academic legal writing style with proper citations.
- Only individual authors may submit; co-authored essays are not allowed.
This award is designed for students and early-career legal professionals seeking to contribute to ongoing global human rights discourse.
Submission Requirements
To ensure fairness and academic integrity, all submissions must meet strict formatting and originality standards:
- Submit in Microsoft Word format only.
- Use Times New Roman, size 12, double-spaced (body text).
- Footnotes: Times New Roman, size 10, single-spaced.
- Maximum length: 35 pages.
- Letter-sized paper (8.5 x 11 inches).
- No personal information or author identification in the essay.
- One essay per applicant.
- Work must be unpublished, original and free of plagiarism.
- Essays may be written in English or Spanish.
- Incorrect formatting results in an automatic five-point deduction.
These guidelines ensure consistency and uphold the award’s high academic standards.
Why Apply?
The Human Rights Essay Award offers much more than a scholarship. It provides:
- A respected global platform to demonstrate legal writing excellence.
- Opportunities to engage with top practitioners and academics.
- Access to a leading program in human rights and humanitarian law.
- Potential publication in an internationally recognised law review.
- A valuable credential for careers in academia, NGOs, international institutions or legal practice.
For students seeking to deepen their impact in human rights advocacy, law or scholarship, this competition represents a significant milestone.
Deadline and Application
Application
Applicants can submit their essay through the official website.
