About the programme
The Academy's annual essay award encourages academic legal articles in international human rights law. For 2027 essays must directly address democracy, human rights and participation, and should maintain a clear link among all three elements. Two awards are given, one for the best English article and one for the best Spanish article. The two best articles and four honorable mentions may be published in the American University International Law Review.
Eligibility
- Must hold a law degree (J.D., LL.B. or equivalent)
- Demonstrated experience or interest in international human rights law
- Essay must directly correspond to the 2027 topic, or it will be disqualified
- Sign in to check these against your background.
What you receive
- Full tuition scholarship to the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (Diploma or Certificate of Attendance option) for the best English and best Spanish articles
- Possible publication of top articles and honorable mentions in the American University International Law Review
- Eligibility to serve as judges in the Moot Court Competition
What you will need
- Academic legal article with proper citations and source references
How to apply
- Submit essay via the submission link on the award page by February 3, 2027
- Winners announced April 1, 2027
- Contact humanrightsessay@wcl.american.edu for questions
Applications are submitted on Academy on Human Rights & Humanitarian Law, American University Washington College of Law’s own site. Open Doors helps you prepare; it is not the official application portal.
From people who applied
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Source and verification
- Official source
- Academy on Human Rights & Humanitarian Law, American University Washington College of Law · Application
- Last checked
- 9 Nov 2026, read automatically from the official page
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