By Peter Dansu The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) is pleased to announce the Call for Entries f...
By Peter Dansu
The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) is pleased to announce the Call for Entries for the African Human Rights Prison Writing Contest, a continental literary initiative dedicated to spotlighting the voices, experiences, and human rights challenges of individuals who have passed through the African correctional system. This initiative reinforces IHRAM’s commitment to advancing human dignity, justice, and rehabilitation through creative expression.
This year’s edition expands the platform to include not only currently incarcerated persons but also formerly incarcerated individuals who are willing to share their reflections, testimonies, and human rights experiences during and after imprisonment. The contest aims to transform personal encounters within the prison environment into documented knowledge capable of inspiring policy reform, healing, public awareness, and sustained advocacy.
The competition is open exclusively to two categories of participants: current inmates in correctional facilities across Africa and former inmates who have regained their freedom but continue to carry valuable insights about incarceration and human rights. By centering their voices, the contest seeks to challenge stigma, deepen understanding, and promote restorative justice across the continent.
Only essays or articles will be accepted for submission to ensure depth, clarity, and strong human rights engagement. Participants are encouraged to explore a wide range of themes, including human rights conditions in prisons, rehabilitation and reintegration, personal transformation, injustice and fair treatment, access to welfare and education, vulnerability, discrimination, resilience, and recommendations for prison reform. Personal testimonies reflecting direct experiences are strongly welcomed.
All entries must be original, unpublished, and written by the participant. Submissions should be between 800 and 1,500 words and must be typed. Current inmates are required to submit their entries through their facility librarian, welfare officer, or designated authority, while former inmates must include a short biography indicating their facility, country, and year of release. Every entry must clearly state the writer’s full name, country, correctional facility (or former facility), and contact information.
Submissions will be assessed based on the depth of human rights insight, originality, clarity of thought, relevance to lived prison realities, storytelling strength, analytical depth, and adherence to submission guidelines. IHRAM encourages participants to approach their writing with honesty, courage, and a commitment to advancing human rights awareness.
Attractive prizes will be awarded to outstanding submissions. The First Prize winner will receive $100, the Second Prize $75, and the Third Prize $50. Five honorable mentions will also be recognized for exceptional contributions that amplify the realities of imprisonment in Africa. All recognized writers will receive certificates and may have their work featured on IHRAM platforms.
All entries must be submitted on or before May 31, 2026. Designated officers and individuals should send entries to [email protected]
, with a copy to [email protected]
. IHRAM strongly advises participants and facility officers to ensure timely submission of entries to avoid disqualification.
For further enquiries or clarification, interested participants may contact the Contest Coordinator via [email protected]
. IHRAM encourages all eligible participants across Africa to seize this opportunity to make their voices heard. Give voice to silence. Illuminate the unseen. Submit your prison writing entry today!
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