Deadline:
February 03, 2026
Location(s)
Online United States of America
The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University Washington College of Law
Overview
The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University Washington College of Law is proud to request the submission of papers for the Human Rights Essay Award.
Details
The call for submissions for the 2026 Human Rights Essay Award is now open!
2026 Topic: The right to protest under international human rights law: legal protection and challenges ahead
The Human Rights Essay Award is an annual award sponsored by the Academy aimed at encouraging the production of academic articles in the field of international human rights law. The topic for the 2026 will be: The right to protest under international human rights law: legal protection and challenges ahead.
Participants have the flexibility to choose any subject related to this topic. However, the scope of the essay must directly correspond to the 2026 theme, or it will be disqualified. Additionally, we would like to note that we believe international human rights law includes international humanitarian law and international criminal law.
ABOUT THE TOPIC
The Academy has chosen the topic, “The Right to Protest under international human rights law: legal protection and challenges ahead.” In recent years, many countries have seen an increase in unlawful restrictions on this right despite its universally recognized protections. Historically, the right to protest has been a decisive instrument for securing social progress and democratic transformation. Its protection is not only fundamental to international human rights law, but also essential to ensuring that states remain obligated to respect and safeguard individual rights and liberties. This issue can be explored from multiple perspectives, including domestic regulation, criminal legislation, redress mechanisms, and root causes, among others.
It is noteworthy that this same topic will be addressed during our 31st Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition, which will take place from May 18 to May 22, 2026.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Participants Eligibility Requirements:
- Must hold a law degree, Juris Doctor, (J.D.), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), or equivalent.
- Shall have a demonstrated experience or interest in international human rights law.
- Have the flexibility to choose any subject related to the 2026 topic: The right to protest under international human rights law: legal protection and challenges ahead.
- Must keep in mind the essay must be a legal article citation sources.
- The submitted essay must be an academic legal article with proper citations and source references.
Dates
Deadline: February 03, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
ABOUT THE AWARD
The Academy will grant two Awards: one for the best article in English and one for the best article in Spanish, each of which will consist of a full tuition scholarship to the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law for either the Diploma or Certificate of Attendance options (travel, housing and per diem living expenses are not included).
Additionally, the two best articles and the four honorable mentions may also be published in the American University International Law Review, which contains relevant and diverse academic material. This prestigious journal receives approximately 1,500 submissions each year and publishes legal research from professors, judges, lawyers, and renowned scholars.
* The Academy reserves the right to determine whether the 2026 Program or any of its classes will be held virtually if exceptional circumstances so require.
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