The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, situated at American University Washington College of Law, calls for papers for the Human Rights Essay Award (HREA) 2026.

The Human Rights Essay Award is an annual award presented by the Academy to encourage the publication of academic works on international human rights legislation. The 2026 award theme is “The right to protest under international human rights law: legal protection and challenges ahead.” Participants are free to choose any topic connected to this theme.

The essay’s scope, however, must properly align with the 2026 theme; otherwise, it will be dismissed. Furthermore, we argue that international human rights law incorporates humanitarian and criminal laws.

About the Topic

The Academy has selected “The Right to Protest under International Human Rights Law: Legal Protection and Challenges Ahead” as this year’s focus. Despite its universal recognition, many countries increasingly impose unlawful restrictions on this fundamental right, which has historically driven social progress and democratic change. The topic can be examined through domestic laws, criminal legislation, redress mechanisms, and underlying causes.

This issue will also feature in the 31st Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition, held from May 18–22, 2026. In partnership with Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, the competition presents a complex, contemporary case. Essay Award participants may also serve as judges during the Moot Court.

Through this initiative, the Academy aims to promote human rights education, foster scholarly analysis, and support stronger legal protections for individuals exercising their right to protest, a cornerstone of democracy and the rule of law.

Details

• Submission Deadline: 3 February 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
• Result Announcement: 1 April 2026
• Organizer: American University Washington College of Law
• Location: U.S.
• Number of Finalist Essays: two (1 in English and 1 in Spanish)
• Field of Study: Law (Equity and Human Rights)

Benefits of the Human Rights Essay Award

The Academy will present two awards: the best English piece and the best Spanish article. In each situation, the Award will consist of:

• A full tuition scholarship to the Program of Advanced Studies in Humanitarian Law and Human Rights for the Diploma or Certificate of Attendance (transportation, accommodation, and per diem living expenses are not included).
• The two top essays may also be published in the American University International Law Review, which includes a wide range of scholarly material. This prominent publication receives roughly 1,500 submissions annually and publishes legal research from professors, judges, lawyers, and renowned researchers.

Eligibilities for Applicants 

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

• This Award is open to all nationalities.
• A law degree, such as a J.D. (Juris Doctor), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), or equivalent, is required.
• Must have previous experience or an interest in international human rights law.
• You can select any topic related to the 2026 theme: ” The right to protest under international human rights law: legal protection and challenges ahead”
• The essay must include citations to legal articles.
• Past Winners cannot enter this year’s competition.

Submission Requirements

Submission essays should meet the following requirements:

• Essays must not be more than 35 pages
• The essay content is double-spaced and in Times New Roman font size 12.
• Footnotes must be in single-space, 1-inch (2.54cm) margins, size 10, Times New Roman font.
• The page is letter size (8.5 x 11 inches/21.59 x 27.94 cm).
• There is no information in the essay that identifies the author.
• Essays will only be accepted in Word format.

Required Documents

Applicants need to prepare the following documents and submit them with their essays:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV), a maximum of three pages, explaining the applicant’s experience or interest in human rights issues;
• Authors should keep copies of all pages of their source materials; they may provide such documents as required at the discretion of the Academy.

Note: Please submit the Curriculum Vitae as a separate file from your essay. Applicants should not include any other documents or attachments other than their CVs. They should refrain from submitting, for example, a list of websites, a bibliography, or any other extra materials.

Selection Process

The Honour Juries that select the Award winners are professionals and international human rights law experts. Please search the University Website for the Jury information.

First, the Pre-Selection Committee will review all valid and non-disqualified essays. Then, the Committee will select the final three in each language. The Honour Jury will later consider the finalists.

The Honour Jury will announce its decision on the date stated in the ¨Important Dates¨ section on the University website. The decision will be final, and no appeal will be admitted.

How to Submit?

Applicants must submit their essays electronically via the link below. The organizer accepts no email submissions.

Submit Now

The Academy will email the applicants of successful submissions within 48 business hours. If an applicant still needs confirmation of their proposal, please get in touch with the Academy to ensure their submission.

Applicants must visit the American University Website or read the Award Rules for further details about the Award.

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