Deadline: February 3, 2026
Applications are open for the American University Human Rights Essay Award 2027. 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 2027 will be: Democracy, Human Rights and Participation.
Participants have the flexibility to choose any subject related to this topic. However, the scope of the essay must directly correspond to the 2027 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.
Benefits
- 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 2027 topic: Democracy, Human Rights and Participation
- 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
You MUST complete your Essay submission by February 3rd, 2027, at 11:59 PM, Washington, DC (GMT-4) time. No Essay submitted after that deadline will be considered.
For more information, visit Human Rights Essay Award.
