Washington College of Law Human Rights Essay Award 2026 (Full Tuition Scholarship to the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law)

Application Deadline: February 3, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Washington College of Law Human Rights Essay Award, an annual competition organized by the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at the American University Washington College of Law (WCL).

The award seeks to promote academic research and writing in the field of international human rights law, encouraging scholars and practitioners to contribute to global conversations around human rights protection.

The 2026 theme is:
“The Right to Protest under International Human Rights Law: Legal Protection and Challenges Ahead.”

Participants are invited to explore any subject related to this theme, provided the essay directly aligns with the 2026 topic. Essays that do not adhere to the theme will be disqualified.

This same topic will also be discussed during the 31st Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition, scheduled for May 18–22, 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.
Submit an academic legal article related to the 2026 theme with proper citations and references.
Ensure the essay is written either in English or Spanish and meets academic publication standards.

Benefits

The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law 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 attend the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University Washington College of Law.
Participants can choose between pursuing a Diploma or a Certificate of Attendance.

Note: The scholarship covers tuition only. Travel, housing, and living expenses are not included.

Additionally:

The two winning essays, along with up to four honorable mentions, may be published in the American University International Law Review, a prestigious journal featuring research from judges, lawyers, scholars, and academics worldwide.

Timeline

Deadline for submissions: February 3, 2026
Winners announcement: April 1, 2026

About the Program

The Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law brings together global legal experts, academics, and practitioners to discuss current issues in human rights and humanitarian law. It provides participants with intensive academic training and opportunities for professional networking.