Submissions for the 2026 Human Rights Essay Award are now open. The Award, organized by the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University Washington College of Law, seeks to promote high-quality academic writing in the field of international human rights law. Each year, the competition recognizes outstanding legal scholarship in both English and Spanish, encouraging legal professionals and scholars to contribute rigorous, impactful analysis on a selected human rights theme.

2026 Theme: The Right to Protest under International Human Rights Law: Legal Protection and Challenges Ahead

Submission Deadline: February 3, 2026

Participants may write on any topic directly related to the theme, including issues such as domestic regulation, criminalization of protest, redress mechanisms, root causes of restrictions, state obligations, and comparative legal analysis. Submissions must align with the theme to be considered.

This topic will also be featured in the 31st Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition (May 18–22, 2026). Essay Award participants are eligible to serve as judges in the Moot Court.

About the Award

Two winners—one for the best article in English and one in Spanish—will receive:

• Full tuition scholarship to the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
  
  (Diploma or Certificate of Attendance; travel and living expenses not included)

• Potential publication in the American University International Law Review, a leading journal that publishes work from global scholars, judges, and legal professionals.

• Opportunity to contribute to advancing legal debate on the right to protest within democratic societies.

About the Topic

Around the world, unlawful restrictions on the right to protest have increased, despite international legal protections. Historically, protest movements have played a decisive role in advancing social justice, democratic change, and the protection of rights. Strengthening legal safeguards for this right is essential to maintaining accountability, dignity, and the rule of law.

Essays may explore the topic from multiple angles, including:

• Domestic and international legal frameworks

• Criminalization of protest and misuse of state authority

• Accountability and redress mechanisms

• Root causes of violations

• Comparative regional approaches

• Intersection with humanitarian or criminal law

The Award seeks to expand rigorous academic analysis on how international law can better protect individuals and communities exercising the right to protest.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

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

• Demonstrate experience or interest in international human rights law

• Write on a topic directly related to the 2026 theme

• Submit an academic legal article with proper citations and sources
  
  (Articles not meeting academic standards will be disqualified)