The Human Rights Essay Award (HREA) is an annual international competition organised by the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at the American University Washington College of Law (WCL), USA. The Award encourages the production of academic legal scholarship on international human rights law and offers a unique platform for lawyers and practitioners worldwide to contribute to global human rights discourse.
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When is the Application Deadline:
🗓️ February 3rd, 2026
The 2026 theme is:
“The Right to Protest under International Human Rights Law: Legal Protection and Challenges Ahead.”
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Participants may explore any subtopic related to this theme, such as domestic regulation, criminal legislation, redress mechanisms, and systemic restrictions on the right to protest.
Which Fields are Eligible?
International Human Rights Law (including International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Law).
Type:
Legal essay competition.
Who can Apply?
Only lawyers are eligible. Applicants must:
- Hold a law degree (LL.B., J.D., or equivalent)
- Demonstrate an interest or experience in international human rights law
- Submit an academic legal essay with proper citations and sources
How are Applicants Selected?
Essays are evaluated for originality, quality of legal analysis, depth of research, and relevance to the 2026 theme. The Honor Jury—composed of distinguished legal scholars and practitioners—selects the winners.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌍 Open to all countries worldwide.
Where will the Award be Taken?
At the American University Washington College of Law, Washington D.C., USA.
How Many Awards?
Two main winners:
- One for the best essay in English
- One for the best essay in Spanish
(Additional honorable mentions may be recognized.)
What is the Benefit of the Award?
🏆 Each winner will receive:
- A full tuition scholarship to the 2026 Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (Diploma or Certificate track) — May 25–June 12, 2026
- Opportunity for publication in the American University International Law Review
(Note: Travel, housing, and per diem are not included.)
How Long Will the Award Last?
The essay competition concludes with winner announcements on April 1st, 2026. The study program runs for three weeks (May–June 2026).
How to Apply:
📩 Submit your essay and required materials via the official link below before February 3rd, 2026.
Visit the official webpage for full guidelines, eligibility criteria, and submission forms.
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
👉 https://www.wcl.american.edu/impact/initiatives-programs/hracademy/award/
📧 Email: humanrightsessay@wcl.american.edu
