Nominations open for Human Rights Essay Award 2025

Topic

• The Academy has chosen the topic of Human Trafficking and Human Rights because it remains critically important and necessitates the ongoing development of legal human rights standards across various international protection systems. This issue can be explored from multiple perspectives, including domestic regulation, criminal legislation, redress mechanisms, root causes, migration dynamics, the operations of criminal networks, among many other aspects. It is noteworthy that this same topic will be addressed during their 30th Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition, which will be celebrated from May 19 to May 23. They have collaborated with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to create a complex yet cutting-edge case. Additionally, participants of the Essay Award can be involved in the Moot Court as judges if they wish.
• Participants have the flexibility to choose any subject related to this topic. However, the scope of the essay must directly correspond to the 2025 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.
• Their commitment to fostering human rights education and encouraging the production of academic articles aims to enhance the analysis of this pressing topic, ultimately contributing to more effective legal frameworks and protections for victims of human trafficking.

Prize Information

• The Academy will grant two Awards, one for the best article in English and one for the best article in Spanish. The Award in each case 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)
  • The best articles 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.

Eligibility Criteria

• 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 2025 topic: Human Trafficking and Human Rights
• Must keep in mind the essay must be a legal article citation sources.

Application Requirements

• The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University Washington College of Law is proud to request the submission of essays for the Human Rights Essay Award (HREA). Recipients will be chosen according to the following rules:
  • 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. The essay must be within the scope of the topic or it will be disqualified.
  • 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. If more than one essay is received, it will be left up to the applicant to decide which essay to submit officially. Should the applicant not indicate a preference, the first essay received by the Academy will be the one considered for the award.
  • The essays must not exceed 35 pages, including footnotes.
  • For the body of the essay applicants must use Times New Roman font, 12-point double-spaced.
  • For the footnotes of the essay applicants must use Times New Roman font, 10-point single-spaced. If you have questions on the proper usage of footnotes, please consult the “The Uniform System of Citation: The Bluebook.”
  • Character spacing must be set to normal with 1 inch (2.54 cm) margins all around.
  • All essays must be on letter size paper (8.5 x 11 inches/21.59 x 27.94 cm). Do not use other sizes.
  • Any essay that does not follow the guidelines will be reformatted and 5 points will be taken off the final score. If the essay is longer than 35 pages, it will be automatically disqualified.
  • 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.
  • Applicants/Authors should not put their names or any identifying information in their essays.
  • Essays will only be accepted in word format.
  • In addition, each applicant must also include a curriculum vitae (CV)/resume of no more than three pages in length explaining their experience or interest in human rights issues. Please submit the CV as a separate file from your essay.
  • Any appended materials other than a CV will not be accepted. Do not include a bibliography, a list of websites, or any other extra materials. These will be immediately discarded and not considered.
  • Essays must be submitted using the online submission form. No emailed entries will be accepted.

For more information, visit American University.