Deadline: February 3, 2026
Applications are open for the American University Human Rights Essay Award 2026. 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, they would like to note that they 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 the 31st Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition, which will take place from May 18 to May 22, 2026.
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.
Eligibility
- 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.
Application
For more information, visit American University Human Rights Essay Award.
