2026 Human Rights Essay Award

The 2026 Human Rights Essay Award, sponsored by the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University Washington College of Law, is an annual competition that encourages academic research in international human rights law.

2026 Topic:

The Right to Protest under International Human Rights Law: Legal Protection and Challenges Ahead

Essays must directly address this theme. Topics may explore legal frameworks, restrictions, domestic regulation, criminal law implications, redress mechanisms, or historical perspectives.

The award aims to foster legal scholarship, strengthen international human rights protection, and recognize outstanding academic contributions in the field.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: February 3, 2026
2. Value: Full tuition scholarship to the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (Certificate or Diploma track)
3. Study Level: Postgraduate
4. Sponsor: Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
5. Course to Study: Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
6. Eligible Countries: All countries

Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Human Rights Essay Award

1. Must hold a law degree, Juris Doctor (J.D.), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), or equivalent.
2. Shall have demonstrated experience or interest in international human rights law.
3. 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.
4. Must keep in mind the essay must be a legal article with citation sources.
5. The submitted essay must be an academic legal article with proper citations and source references.

Benefits of 2026 Human Rights Essay Award

1. Two awards: one for best essay in English and one in Spanish
2. Full tuition scholarship to the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (Certificate or Diploma)
3. Potential publication in the American University International Law Review
4. Opportunity to serve as a judge in the Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition

How to Apply

1. Choose a topic under the 2026 theme.
2. Write an academic essay with citations (in English or Spanish).
3. Submit electronically to humanrightsessay@wcl.american.edu before February 3, 2026.
4. Wait for the winner announcements on April 1, 2026.

For further details, visit the official page or contact humanrightsessay@wcl.american.edu.

For more details, visit Washington College of Law Human Rights Essay Award webpage

Application Deadline

February 3, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for 2026 Human Rights Essay Award