Call for Submissions: Human Rights Essay Award 2024

The topic for the 2024 award is “Protection and Guarantee of Human Rights in Digital Environments.” Participants have the flexibility to choose any subject related to this theme.

Scope

• The scope of the essay must directly correspond to the 2024 theme, or it will be disqualified. Additionally, they would like to note that they believe international human rights law includes international humanitarian law and international criminal law.

Award Details

• The Academy will award six awards, three for each language as follows:
  • Essays in English:
    • Award for Best Essay in English
    • Honorable Mention for Second Best Essay in English
    • Honorable Mention for Third Best Essay in English
  • Essays in Spanish
    • Award for Best Essay in Spanish
    • Honorable Mention for Second Best Essay in Spanish
    • Honorable Mention for Third Best Essay in Spanish

Benefits

• The award for the Best Essays in English and Spanish includes a full tuition scholarship to the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law for either the Diploma or Certificate of Attendance option.
• Travel, housing, and per diem living expenses are not included and should be covered solely by the winners.
• The Academy reserves the right to determine if the 2024 Program of Advanced Studies will be held virtually, or at least if some classes will be held remotely.
• The winners will receive a certificate that accredits them as such and that can be presented to any organization or educational institution if the recipient considers it important.
• The Award will be the publication of the essays in The American University International Law Review (AUILR) if publishing standards are met.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants for the Award must hold a law degree and have a demonstrated experience or interest in international human rights law.
• Past winners cannot participate in future awards.
• To apply for the HREA, applicants must choose a subject pertaining to the topic chosen by the Academy for each particular year. Applicants will have the flexibility to choose any subject related to the substantive law relevant to the field. International human rights law shall be understood to include international humanitarian law and international criminal law.
• Applicants must submit an unpublished legal essay in English or Spanish written solely by that person. Essays written by two or more people are not accepted!
• Only one submission will be accepted per applicant in either language, English or Spanish.
• The essays must not exceed 35 pages, including footnotes.
• The essay has to be a legal document and must contain extensive research and legal analysis; therefore, it will include substantial footnotes and proper citations. The absence of those will cause the essay to be disqualified.
• Essays will only be accepted in word format.

For more information, visit American University Washington College of Law.