African Human Rights Spoken Word Contest 2025 Opens for Global Entries

The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement has announced the African Human Rights Spoken Word Contest. The competition invites poets and artists worldwide to submit video entries. The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2025.

Winning pieces will be featured at the International Human Rights Art Festival in New York City. This event provides a powerful platform for creative expression on critical continental issues.

Contest Details and Prize Structure

The contest offers cash prizes for the top three entrants. First place wins $100, second place receives $75, and third place gets $50. Five honorable mentions will also be recognized.

All entrants will receive a Certificate of Participation. Shortlisted candidates will be awarded a Certificate of Excellence. According to Reuters, such artistic initiatives are vital for raising public awareness on human rights.

Eligibility and Thematic Focus

Entries are accepted from anywhere in the globe. All submissions must focus on human rights issues within Africa. The work must be an original creation by the contestant.

Participants can address a wide range of themes. These include social justice, climate change, and women’s empowerment. Other relevant topics are immigration, human trafficking, and police brutality.

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Who can enter the African Human Rights Spoken Word Contest?

The contest is open to poets and artists from all over the world. The key requirement is that their spoken word piece must address a human rights issue in Africa. Only one video submission is allowed per person.

What are the prizes for the winners?

Winners will receive cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50 for first, second, and third place respectively. Five honorable mentions will also be awarded. All entrants receive a Certificate of Participation.

When and where will the winning works be featured?

The selected works will be showcased at the International Human Rights Art Festival. This event is scheduled for December 8-14, 2025. The festival takes place in New York City.

How do I submit my entry for the contest?

Applicants must email a one-minute video of their original poem to the provided official addresses. The video file should not exceed 20MB. The email subject must be “AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORD CONTEST”.

What human rights themes can my video explore?

Acceptable themes include freedom of expression, gender inequality, and child labour. Other topics are police brutality, corruption, child trafficking, and violence against women. The piece must center on human rights.