The African Human Rights Sustainability
Poetry Competition
Call for entries
Deadline: 31st March 2026
Winners announced by 2nd June 2026
Please email your entry, with the subject line “Sustainable Poetry Submission,” to geraldine@humanrightsartmovement.org
The Internation Human Rights Art Movement’s (IHRAM) African Secretariat is elated to announce the African Human Rights Sustainability Poetry Competition, dedicated to inspiring creative expression and critical thinking about environmental issues and sustainability.
This contest invites poets to explore the urgent challenges facing our planet and envision a more sustainable future through the power of words. This competition draws inspiration from the intersection of poetry and environmental advocacy. We encourage works that reflect, but are not limited to: environmental justice, reciprocality with nature, sustainable living, climate action, personal connection with the environment, etc.
The poem submitted should be the sole work of the entrant and must not have been perviously published.
Any AI generated pieces will be automatically disqualified.
Prizes:
First Place: $100 and publication on our website and social media channels.
Second Place: $75 and publication on our website.
Third Place: $50 and publication on our website.
Honorable Mention: Up to five Honorable Mention winners will be published on our website
Other benefits
All entrants will receive a certificate of participation.
Honorable Mentions will receive a certificate of excellence.
Submission Guidelines:
Eligibility: The competition is open to poets of African descent resident within the continent.
Poem Length: Each poem should not exceed 40 lines, excluding title and blank lines.
Anonymity: Please ensure your name does not appear on the poem itself.
Submission Limit: Each poet should submit only one poem.
Format: Poems should be typed, single-spaced, in a standard 12-point font Times New Roman.
How to Submit:
Please email your entries, the with the subject line “Sustainable Poetry Submission,” to geraldine@humanrightsartmovement.org
Include your name, date of birth, country of origin , contact details, a 50 word bio and the title of your submitted poem in the body of the email. The poem should be sent as a word doc attachment via email. Failure to abide by the instructions stated here will attract disqualification of the entrant.
Deadline: 31st March 2026
30th April: Long List Published
10th May: Short List of 15
2nd June: Winners Announced
For further enquiries, please email sinyuyg@gmail.com
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
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!