Announcing the 2015 International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Student Writing Competition
American University Washington College of Law Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law (Center), the American Society of International Law’s Lieber Society (ASIL), and the American Red Cross International Humanitarian Law team are pleased to announce the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Student Writing Competition. The Competition seeks submissions of academic papers on the topic of international humanitarian law (IHL) from students currently enrolled in a law degree program in the United States or abroad. The purpose of the Competition is to enhance scholarship and deepen understanding among students in this important area of international law.
The theme of the 2015 Competition is “The Intersection of International Humanitarian Law and Gender.” Papers should focus on ways in which IHL intersects with gender issues, such as the role of women as combatants, the gendered use of sexual violence during times of armed conflict, the impact of gender stereotyping on international humanitarian law, etc.
This Competition is part of a multi-pronged initiative to expand and support the teaching and study of IHL among both students and professors in which both the Center and ASIL have been deeply involved. In 2007, the Center published a study with the International Committee of the Red Cross on Teaching International Humanitarian Law in US Law Schools. The study identified a growing need for resources to support and expand the teaching of IHL among law faculty, but also a desire to support the interest of students in learning about IHL. The IHL Student Writing Competition promotes and supports student interest and deepening scholarship in IHL by providing students with a tangible way to become more directly involved in the global discourse around IHL.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS:
Students must be currently enrolled in a law degree program at a U.S. or foreign law school as of the submission deadline. Students must choose a legal topic related to this year’s theme, “The Intersection of International Humanitarian Law and Gender.” Papers without a direct focus on this theme will not be reviewed. Submissions must be unpublished papers written solely by the candidate in English.
DEADLINE OF SUBMISSION:
The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, October 7, 2015 by 12:00 PM (NOON) Eastern Standard Time (EST). Students will receive an email confirmation that their submission was received no later than 24 hours after the submission deadline and should contact the organizers in the event they do not receive a confirmation email.
AWARD:
The winning author will receive a $500 cash prize and a one-year ASIL student membership. The winning author will also have the opportunity to present his or paper through a virtual conference with a panel of experts.
For additional information, questions and details, please visit the website.