2026 Human Rights Essay Award – Submit Your Paper on “The Right to Protest” and Win a Full Tuition Scholarship

2026 Human Rights Essay Award: Overview

The 2026 Human Rights Essay Award, organized by the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, is now open for submissions. This annual global competition recognizes outstanding academic articles in the field of international human rights law.

The 2026 theme is “The Right to Protest under International Human Rights Law: Legal Protection and Challenges Ahead.”
Participants are invited to explore legal, social, and institutional dimensions of protest rights worldwide, addressing pressing global issues around freedom of expression, civic space, and government accountability.

2026 Human Rights Essay Award: Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold a law degree (LL.B., J.D., or equivalent).

• Demonstrate experience or interest in international human rights law.

• Write an academic legal essay with proper citations and references.

• Ensure the essay topic directly relates to the 2026 theme.

2026 Human Rights Essay Award: Benefits

• Two winners (one English, one Spanish) will each receive a full tuition scholarship to the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (Diploma or Certificate option).

• Winning and honorable mention essays may be published in the American University International Law Review.

• Winners may also be invited to serve as judges during the 31st Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition (May 18–22, 2026).

2026 Human Rights Essay Award: Award Theme Focus

The 2026 theme explores the right to protest, an essential human right facing growing restrictions globally.
Essays can examine:

• National laws and domestic regulations.

• Criminalization of protests and access to justice.

• Comparative and regional legal frameworks.

• Policy solutions to strengthen protest rights under international law.

2026 Human Rights Essay Award: Application Process

1. Write and submit an academic essay addressing the 2026 theme.

2. Include full legal citations and sources.

3. Submit entries via the official Academy submission portal.

Note: The Essay Award is independent of the LL.M. application process.

Important Dates

• Submission Deadline: February 3, 2026

• Winners Announcement: April 1, 2026

Selection Criteria

Submissions will be judged based on:

• Relevance to the 2026 theme.

• Originality and analytical depth.

• Legal accuracy and citation quality.

• Contribution to advancing international human rights discourse.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the 2026 Human Rights Essay Award – Submit Your Paper on “The Right to Protest” and Win a Full Tuition Scholarship