Sponsors/facilitators of student writing competitions provide more detailed instructions and rules at their websites. Students need to review the information and rules available at these websites.
2026 Human Rights Essay Award (annual) (Site includes link to an online submission form.)
"Must hold a law degree, Juris Doctor, (J.D.), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), or equivalent.
Shall have a demonstrated experience or interest in international human rights law.
Have the flexibility to choose any subject related to the 2026 topic: The right to protest under international human rights law: legal protection and challenges ahead.
Must keep in mind the essay must be a legal article citation sources.
The submitted essay must be an academic legal article with proper citations and source references."
Awards in 2026: "The Academy will grant two Awards: one for the best article in English and one for the best article in Spanish, each of which will consist of a full tuition scholarship to the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law for either the Diploma or Certificate of Attendance options (travel, housing and per diem living expenses are not included). Additionally, the two best articles and the four honorable mentions may also be published in the American University International Law Review, which contains relevant and diverse academic material. This prestigious journal receives approximately 1,500 submissions each year and publishes legal research from professors, judges, lawyers, and renowned scholars. The Academy reserves the right to determine whether the 2026 Program or any of its classes will be held virtually if exceptional circumstances so require."
Human Rights Essay Contest (annual)
Rule of Law Writing Competition (annual)
"The Rule of Law is a process consisting of five essential elements:
1. Fair Access. The justice system is reasonably open and available to all, and does not impose oppressive burdens on the participants;
2. Fair courts. The courts exhibit tolerance and integrity. They are competent, and efficient. Judges are impartial and independent, randomly assigned, and not subject to political influence or manipulation;
3. Fair Laws. The laws are public, clear and reasonable when applied to human experience;
4. Fair Administration. The administrative branch, prosecutors, and police, are reasonably fair, competent, and efficient; and
5. All are subject to the law. Government officials including the President, Supreme Court and the Congress, consent to being subject to the law. The Rule of Law process depends on the constant application of tolerance and integrity through a political system founded on these five necessary elements. Each country implementing the Rule of Law will produce its own legislation, administrative methods and judicial decisions. Each system while based upon the same five elements will be formed to the particular time, culture and circumstance where it is implemented. By fostering and promoting the process which is the Rule of Law, no matter what the place or time, all societies can benefit from its implementation."