Description

The Human Rights Essay Award recognises an original legal article directly addressing democracy, human rights and participation. Entries are accepted in English or Spanish and must be individually authored, anonymous and properly referenced. This is a regulated academic writing competition, not a general personal essay or an LL.M. application. The best article in each language receives a tuition scholarship for the Advanced Studies programme. Travel, housing and living expenses are excluded, and publication in the law review remains subject to its standards rather than automatic acceptance. Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent law degree and human-rights interest/experience. Unpublished single-author article; former winners excluded. Funding: Best English and Spanish essays receive tuition scholarships for the Advanced Studies programme, including applicable academic/application fees up to four courses. Travel, accommodation and living expenses excluded. Submission: Choose a legal angle within the theme and write the article individually. Deadline: 3 February 2027.

Official source and verification

Official source

American University Washington College of Law

https://www.wcl.american.edu/impact/initiatives-programs/hracademy/award/

Editorial verification

Verified on October 21, 2026

Internal editorial verification.

Next revalidation: Oct 28, 2026

Trust status

Reliable95%

Latest editorial review active.

Eligibility criteria

JD, LLB or equivalent law degree and human-rights interest/experience.
Unpublished single-author article; former winners excluded.
One entry in either English or Spanish.
Direct connection to the 2027 theme and legal analysis with citations.

Application procedure

Choose a legal angle within the theme and write the article individually.

Check anonymity, citations and formatting, then upload essay/CV in the official form.

After submission, send the attachment-free notification email required by the form instructions.

Keep confirmation; contact [email protected] if none arrives within five business days.

Programme and activities

Funding and benefits

Best English and Spanish essays receive tuition scholarships for the Advanced Studies programme, including applicable academic/application fees up to four courses. Travel, accommodation and living expenses excluded.

Timeline

Deadline: 3 February 2027.
Winners expected: 1 April 2027.
Scholarship applies to that year’s Advanced Studies programme, not LL.M. admission.

Application file

Anonymous Word essay of at most 35 pages including footnotes; no author-identifying information.
Times New Roman 12 double-spaced body, 10 single-spaced notes, Letter paper and 1-inch margins.
Bluebook or comparable Indigo Book citations; no separate bibliography or extra annexes.
Separate CV of at most three pages; retain copies of source materials.

Selection and commitments

Over 35 pages, missing citations or an off-theme article can cause disqualification.
Formatting non-compliance may incur a five-point penalty.
Plagiarism review followed by committee and honorary-jury selection.

SkillReFlex tips

Prepare the application materials described above before entering the form, then retain submission confirmation.

Anti-fraud and caution

Use the application link published by the organiser; the requirements and formats above refer to the specified call.

Apply to this opportunity

Apply officially View official site

Human Rights Essay Award 2027: democracy and participation