Submit with us

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Submit with us *

Through our publications, we can continue championing for social justice issues around the world, and giving voice to those who are suppressed or oppressed.

What can you submit to?

Quarterly Literary Magazine

We have moved to an annual quarterly Literary Magazine.

SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN NOW!

Books

Our main book series, Hear the Voices and Rapid Response, highlight issues of concern from around the world.

SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN NOW!

What do we accept?

Poetry

Maximum 5 poems per submission*

*One publication per author.

Short-stories and/or Essays

2500 words or less

Artwork

Submission for artwork is unlimited. Please note, your published artwork might be presented in black-and-white and therefore should be suitable for “print”.

We WILL NOT accept any AI-Generated art. Ensure your artwork is submitted as .JPG, .PDFs, or .PNGs.

We are a Pushcart-Prize, Best American Short Stories and Best American Essays nominating quarterly literary journal.

Submission Guidelines

Include the call you are responding to in the email’s subject line to submit@humanrightsartmovement.org

  • Your full name and/or pen name.

  • Your country of residence.

  • A brief third-person bio (roughly 100 words). If your bio includes references of your past work, feel free to provide links!

  • A brief foreword to your piece (between 300-500 words), explaining your inspiration for creating it, background information, explanation of key characters, and any other key insight for the reader.

    *If your piece is accepted, we will request a high-resolution author photograph. However, authors are not required to provide photographs of themselves and are always welcome to decline, should they wish to remain anonymous.

2025 Quarterly Literary Magazine

Open Submission Call:

*ONLY accepting Poems, Short-Stories, Essays, or Artwork

  • Submission window: January 1st - March 1st 2025

    Exploring society’s voice for masculinity, this edition examines the evolving discourse around emotion, identity, and the male experience. From breaking down the stereotypes of toxic masculinity to embracing emotional vulnerability, it highlights the intersection of language, culture, and societal expectations surrounding what is deemed “masculine” and “feminine.” 

    We are eager to publish firsthand experiences by men, factual retellings of stories told by men in the author’s life, and reflections of the author’s personal experiences with emotion, identity, and the male experience. We encourage submissions from all over the world, regardless of gender or identity.

    Themes

    Firsthand experiences by men, masculinity and toxic masculinity, emotional expression, societal norms, language and identity, author reflections on factual retellings. 

  • Submission window: April 1st - June 1st 2025

    A poignant reflection on contemporary slavery and forced migration, this issue delves into exploitative labor practices, human trafficking, and the loss of human rights. It examines the economic and personal challenges faced by migrants, including discrimination, culture shock, and the lingering mental health effects for descendants of slavery.

    We are dedicated to publishing firsthand experiences of forced migration, factual retellings on contemporary slavery, reflections of the author’s personal experiences with the economic challenges or discrimination, and feelings of hope and perseverance. We encourage submissions from all over the world, regardless of gender or identity.

    Themes

    Modern slavery, forced migration, human trafficking, economic challenges, cultural discrimination, first-hand accounts, feelings of hope and perseverance.

  • Submission window: July 1st - September 1st 2025

    Shining a light on life with disabilities and invisible illnesses, this edition raises awareness of the societal attitudes and injustices faced by the disabled community. It explores the impact on identity, memory, and sexuality while advocating for understanding and inclusivity. 

    We are eager to publish firsthand experiences by those living with a disability, reflections of the author’s personal experiences with societal justices towards illnesses, and the after-effects of discrimination on an author’s identity and sexuality. We encourage submissions from all over the world, regardless of gender or identity.

    Themes

    Disability awareness, invisible illnesses, societal attitudes, identity, memory, and sexuality, and the intersection of societal attitudes with an author’s lived experiences.

  • Submission window: October 1st - December 1st 2025

    Centering on homelessness and the unhoused, this issue explores the human stories behind stereotypes, societal failures, and the fight for basic rights like shelter and healthcare. Reflections on homelessness during COVID-19 and personal journeys to stability provide a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for dignity and safety. 

    We are committed to publishing personal experiences of those who have been unhoused, factual retellings of stories about homelessness in the author’s life, reflections of the author’s personal experiences, and feelings of optimism and faith. We encourage submissions from all over the world, regardless of gender or identity.

    Themes

    Homelessness, societal inequality, human rights, personal and creative reflections in order to break stereotypes, and post-pandemic challenges.

2025 Books

Open Submission Call:

*ONLY accepting Poems, Short-Stories, and Essays.

  • Open Submission Call: 29th January - June 1st 2025

    This anthology explores the challenges faced by today’s youth, including the pressures of social media, societal expectations, and family dynamics. These factors can take a toll on mental health and, in some cases, lead to serious struggles like anxiety, depression, loneliness, or even thoughts of suicide. Young people often face a frustrating contradiction: that they have the power to create change, but are frequently dismissed as “just children.” This collection will also examine the language surrounding this paradox and its impact on how youth are perceived and treated. 

    We invite submissions that amplify the voices of young people—firsthand accounts from youths, reflections on the author’s personal experiences, stories of resilience, and perspectives on isolation or societal pressures. We wish to honor the value of youth perspectives and their vital role in shaping a more compassionate society. 

  • Open Submission Call: May 29th - October 1st 2025

    This anthology will explore interventions that have sparked widespread change, highlighting protests and acts of resistance expressed through art, storytelling, and personal activism. We seek to amplify diverse perspectives and celebrate the courage of those who have stood up to demand change. From large demonstrations to small groups organizing to the transformative power of art and storytelling, these acts of defiance remind us of the resilience and courage of the human spirit.

    We seek firsthand accounts from authors who have participated in activist movements, as well as reflections on the power of creative resistance to inspire transformation. We are especially interested in the voices of those who have faced human-rights abuses, state violence, discrimination based on gender or sexuality, and racism, and who have protested against these injustices. Share your experiences of resistance, resilience, and hope, whether through art, words, or actions.

Author Awards

    • “Instruction Manual: Sheets of Desire” by Miriam Calleja, Malta;

    • “The Hollow” by Pacella Chukwuma-Eke, Nigeria;

    • “To Bury A Curious Girl” by Amirah Al Wassif, Egypt;

    • “Savio” by Rigel Portales, Philippines;

    • “Nani’s Chai” by Navin Desai, United States;

    • “Fifteen” by Ana Reisens, Spain

    • “Chamelemom” by Nathaniel Spencer-Cross;

    • “Green Door” by Kathleen Hellen;

    • “Quaking” by Kimberly W. Heiman

    • “Red Red Roses” by Jadi Campbell, Germany and United States;

    • “Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is Terrorism Against Women’s Bodies” by Nagasha Martina, Uganda

    • Edward Edmond Eduful,

    • Ariana Lee,

    • Mackenzie Duan,

    • Alyza Taguilaso,

    • Marcus Ugboduma,

    • Simon Thaddeus Tsaga

    • Tyler Hein,

    • Hec Lampert-Bates,

    • Lena Petrović,

    • Kashvi Ramani

    • Ian Stewart

    • Joanna Cockerline,

    • Alex Stein,

    • Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi,

    • Luiza Louback,

    • Joshua Effiong,

    • Kristin W. Davis

    • Laneikka Denne,

    • Kalpna Singh-Chitnis,

    • Sunday Obiageli,

    • Esther Iyanuoluwa,

    • Dean Gessie,

    • Ashley Sophia 

Buy our previous editions

  • Her Rights, Our Stories

  • The Feminine Voices of Malta

  • From Africa with Love

  • Queer Voices of the World

  • Indigenous Voices

  • Resilience Amidst Displacement

Available Now

Have Questions?

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Have Questions? *

Managing Editor | Lisa Zammit
lisa@humanrightsartmovement.org

Marketing Manager | Costanza Bugiani
costanza@humanrightsartmovement.org