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Applications are now open for the 2026 Washington College of Law Human Rights Essay Award. This annual award, sponsored by the Academy, aims to encourage the production of academic articles in the field of international human rights law.
2026 Essay Topic
The right to protest under international human rights law: legal protection and challenges ahead
Participants may choose any subject related to this theme. However, essays must directly correspond to the 2026 topic. Entries that do not align with the theme will be disqualified.
It is noteworthy that this same topic will also be addressed during the 31st Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition, which will take place from May 18 to May 22, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
* Hold a law degree — Juris Doctor (J.D.), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), or equivalent.
* Demonstrate experience or interest in international human rights law.
* Write on a subject related to the 2026 topic: The right to protest under international human rights law: legal protection and challenges ahead.
* Ensure the essay is an academic legal article with proper citations and source references.
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Benefits
The Academy will grant two awards:
* One for the best article in English
* One for the best article in Spanish
Each winner will receive a full tuition scholarship to the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, applicable to either the Diploma or Certificate of Attendance options.
(Note: Travel, housing, and per diem expenses are not included.)
Additionally, the two winning articles and four honorable mentions may be published in the American University International Law Review, a prestigious journal that receives about 1,500 submissions annually and features works from professors, judges, lawyers, and renowned scholars.
Timeline
Deadline for Submissions: February 3, 2026
Winners Announcement: April 1, 2026
For more information and how to apply, visit the Official Webpage of the Washington College of Law Human Rights Essay Award