2026 Washington College of Law Human Rights Essay Award

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.

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.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirments
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineFebruary 3, 2026
• Study Level
• SponsorAmerican University (AU)

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Selection Process

Timeline:

• Deadline for submissions: February 3rd, 2026
• Winners Announcement: April 1st, 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

For more details, visit Washington College of Law Human Rights Essay Award webpage