Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law · Washington, D.C.
Applications are open for the American University Human Rights Essay Award 2027, an annual academic writing competition organized by the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University Washington College of Law. The award encourages the production of high quality academic legal articles addressing important questions in international human rights law.
The theme for the 2027 competition is “Democracy, Human Rights and Participation.” Applicants have the flexibility to select a specific legal issue connected to this theme, provided that the essay maintains a clear and substantive connection among democracy, human rights and participation. The Academy notes that international human rights law for purposes of the competition includes international humanitarian law and international criminal law.
The competition is open to individuals who hold a law degree and have demonstrated experience or interest in international human rights law. Essays may be submitted in English or Spanish and must be unpublished legal essays written solely by the applicant. The submission must take the form of an academic legal article with appropriate citations and source references.
The two best essays, one in English and one in Spanish, will receive full tuition scholarships to the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law. The scholarship covers the academic programme and applicable fees, while travel, accommodation and daily living expenses are not included. The winning essays and honorable mentions may also be considered for publication in the American University International Law Review.
The Human Rights Essay Award is an annual initiative of the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University Washington College of Law. It is designed to encourage academic research and legal scholarship on contemporary questions in international human rights law.
For 2027, the Academy invites applicants to examine the relationship between democracy, human rights and participation from regional, international, comparative, institutional or thematic perspectives. Applicants are encouraged to approach the theme creatively and critically while maintaining a clear legal connection to the central topic.
The competition also connects with the Academy’s broader human rights education activities. The 2027 theme will also be addressed during the 32nd Inter American Human Rights Moot Court Competition scheduled for May 16 to May 21, 2027.
• Full tuition scholarship for the best English language essay
• Full tuition scholarship for the best Spanish language essay
• Coverage of application and administrative fees associated with the scholarship programme
• Coverage of academic courses for up to four courses
• Opportunity for the winning essays to be considered for publication in the American University International Law Review
• Opportunity for honorable mention essays to be considered for publication
• Official certificate recognizing the award
• Academic exposure within the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
• Opportunity to develop and showcase advanced legal research and writing skills
The 2027 essay should address issues connected to:
• Democracy
• International human rights law
• Participation
• International humanitarian law
• International criminal law
• Legal protection of democratic participation
• Human rights and democratic institutions
• Regional or comparative approaches to democracy and human rights
• Institutional and thematic questions related to the 2027 theme
Applicants may select their own specific subject within the broader theme. However, the Academy states that essays outside the scope of the selected topic may be disqualified.
• Hold a law degree, Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws or equivalent qualification
• Demonstrate experience or interest in international human rights law
• Select a subject directly related to the 2027 theme, Democracy, Human Rights and Participation
• Submit an academic legal article with appropriate citations and source references
• Submit an unpublished essay
• Ensure the essay is written solely by the applicant
• Submit the essay in either English or Spanish
• Applicants who have previously won the Human Rights Essay Award are not eligible to participate in future editions
• Unpublished legal essay written by the applicant
• Academic legal article focused on the 2027 theme
• Proper citations and source references
• Relevant supporting source materials retained by the applicant
The official rules should be reviewed carefully before submission because the Academy sets specific requirements governing the essay, originality, citations, topic relevance and submission process.
Submitted essays are reviewed through a preselection process before being considered by an Honor Jury made up of professionals with recognized expertise in international human rights law.
The selection process considers whether an essay meets the formal requirements of the competition and whether its substantive content falls within the designated annual theme. The Academy selects finalists in each language before the Honor Jury makes the final determination.
The Academy reserves the right not to grant an award if submitted essays do not meet the required standards. The decision of the Honor Jury is final.
Washington, D.C.
Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
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