AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS REFUGEE VOICES
ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGE
CALL FOR ENTRIES
Submissions close on April 30, 2026
The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) is delighted to announce the Call for Entriesfor the African Human Rights Refugee Voices Essay Writing Challenge, a continental initiative designed to amplify the lived experiences, challenges, resilience, and aspirations of refugees and displaced persons across Africa.
This year’s challenge invites writers, students, activists, scholars, refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and all lovers of human rights to submit thought-provoking essays that spotlight the multifaceted realities of forced migration and displacement on the African continent. The competition seeks essays that not only expose injustices but also inspire empathy, solutions, and policy reforms that uphold human dignity.
Participants are encouraged to explore themes such as:
· Migration, conflict, and displacement
· Refugee rights and international protection
· Access to education, healthcare, and social inclusion for refugees
· Gender-based challenges in refugee communities
· Childhood and hope in displacement
· Host communities and integration
· Climate change and forced migration
· Resilience, survival stories, and pathways to peace
ELIGIBILITY
· Open to Africans of all ages, including refugees and displaced persons.
· Entries may come from individuals or groups.
· Each participant may submit one (1) original essay.
ESSAY REQUIREMENTS
· Essays must be original, unpublished, and written in English or French.
· Length: 800–1,200 words.
· Submissions must include the title, author’s name, country, age (optional), and contact details.
· Essays must be submitted in MS Word or Plain Message.
· Each entry must include a brief author’s bio (max. 100 words).
SUBMISSION PROCESS
Send entries to: wole@humanrightsartmovement.org and copy ihrafafrica@humanrightsartmovement.org
Email subject line: “Refugee Voices Essay Entry – [Your Name]”
IMPORTANT DATES
· Deadline for Submission: April 30, 2026
PRIZES TO BE WON:
• First Prize - $100
• Second Prize - $75
• Third Prize - $50
• Five honorable mentions
IHRAM strongly emphasizes respect for the dignity, safety, and privacy of all persons whose stories are shared. Essays that promote discrimination, hate, or violate ethical standards will not be considered.
For enquiries, please email: oluwoleadedoyinonline@gmail.com
.Your words can illuminate hidden stories.
Your voice can inspire justice.
Submit your essay today!
The International Human Rights Art Festival has been featured in the New York Times, Fox Five Morning Show, NBC Live!, NY Observer, Crain’s NY Business, Metro-NY, AM-NY, Gay City News, Brooklyn Rail, and many others; we have been banned by the Catholic Church, lionized by politicians and government workers and have presented more than 1000 artists from 103 countries in our half-decade of existence!
What they’re saying about us…
A meeting place for arts, human rights and the government. This is a new kind of coming together.
Dr Sarah Sayeed, Senior Advisor in the NYC Community Affairs Unit, specializing in Muslim outreach
IHRAF is one of the only festivals of its kind. The world urgently needs artists who are creating work about human rights - especially at this point in our divisive times.
Christina Evans, Performance Artist, California
The reaction of enthusiasm from the audience showed us that IHRAF was more than just a festival to perform at--it was a platform for artistic exchange on how to use the arts to challenge the world. Love the work IHRAF does!
Shilpa Darivemula, Aseemkala Initiative
I have so much gratitude to be welcomed under the diverse & inclusive umbrella that is IHRAF. It is a gift to receive support from an organization that truly understands the role of art and it's intimate connection to activism, as a vital component to the sustainability and positive growth of our world.
Mara Rosenbloom, pianist, improviser, composer, educator
This is truly a festival for everyone and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to perform at the IHRAF. Tom is a real thought leader who has a clear vision of the role of the arts in the current world. The festival was also a great place to connect with other passionate artists and become inspired.
Sora Baek, Playwright/Performer
Of many festivals in NYC, this one aligned perfectly with my own values and the values that are inherent in my show. A great organization, very accommodating and supportive of the performer. They had a real plan for marketing that assured a good house. Start to finish, I couldn't have been more pleased with my IHRAF experience.
Mark Lanham, Playwright/Performer
In my view, IHRAF is one of the most powerful movements of the 21st century, and it is here to stay. IHRAF has revolutionized human rights through the use of arts.
Wole Adedoyin, Director, IHRAM African Secretariat
The International Human Rights Art Festival is doing an amazing work by empowering creative writers and providing them with the tools, resources and support they need to create lasting change. By fostering a community of artists and activists united in their pursuit of social justice, IHRAF has established itself as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, harnessing the transformative power of art to make the world a better place.
Stanley Umezulike, Nigeria
The International Human Rights Art Festival is the platform of possibilities and eternal optimism. It is IHRAF founder Tom Block’s brave vision that gives these new, emerging and established writers and artists an opportunity to stand up for what they believe in through their art and writing. His initiatives and projects encourage, invite and spur change to happen. Without doubt, thanks to Tom Block’s unwavering support for human rights and the arts.
Kelly Kaur, Singapore/Canada