Deadline: 21-Mar-2026
The UNESCO Human Rights Everyday Essentials Contest invites young people aged 18 to 35 from Eastern Africa to express their perspectives on human rights through creative formats. The contest rewards impactful and meaningful entries with prizes including a fully funded trip for the winner and cash awards of $1,000 and $500 for runners-up. It aims to amplify Gen Z voices and encourage everyday engagement with human rights issues.
Creative Opportunity for Young People in Eastern Africa
Overview of the Contest
The UNESCO Human Rights Everyday Essentials Contest is a regional creative competition designed to empower young people in Eastern Africa to speak out on human rights issues that affect everyday life.
The contest encourages participants to use creativity as a tool for advocacy, awareness, and social change. By providing a platform for youth expression, UNESCO seeks to transform ideas into action and strengthen engagement with human rights beyond formal settings.
Key Contest Details
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Organising body: UNESCO
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Contest name: Human Rights Everyday Essentials Contest
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Eligible region: Eastern Africa
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Target group: Gen Z and young people
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Age eligibility: 18 to 35 years
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Entry format: Creative submissions across designated categories
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Main focus: Human rights in everyday contexts
Purpose and Objectives
The contest is designed to achieve the following goals:
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Amplify youth voices on human rights issues
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Encourage creative and accessible human rights storytelling
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Promote awareness of human rights in daily life
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Inspire young people to drive positive social change
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Support meaningful civic engagement among Gen Z
Who Is Eligible?
To participate, applicants must meet all of the following criteria.
Eligibility Requirements
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Aged between 18 and 35 years
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Resident of or originating from Eastern Africa
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Part of Generation Z or young adult demographic
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Passionate about human rights and creative expression
There are no restrictions on academic background or professional experience.
Contest Categories and Creative Formats
Participants can submit entries under designated categories, allowing flexibility in how ideas are expressed.
Accepted Creative Approaches
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Visual storytelling
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Written or spoken expression
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Multimedia or digital content
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Other creative formats specified by the contest guidelines
Participants are encouraged to choose the medium that best represents their message, originality, and impact.
Prizes and Rewards
The contest offers attractive incentives to recognise creativity, relevance, and impact.
Award Structure
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Winner: Fully funded trip
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1st Runner-Up: Cash prize of USD 1,000
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2nd Runner-Up: Cash prize of USD 500
Prizes are awarded based on creativity, clarity of message, and contribution to meaningful human rights engagement.
Why This Contest Matters
Human rights are often perceived as abstract or distant. This contest helps reposition them as everyday essentials by:
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Encouraging youth-led narratives rooted in lived experience
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Making human rights relatable and accessible
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Supporting creative activism and cultural expression
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Building a new generation of informed and engaged advocates
How to Participate
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Review the official contest guidelines and designated categories.
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Select a creative format that best conveys your human rights message.
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Develop an original submission that reflects everyday human rights realities.
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Submit your entry according to UNESCO’s instructions before the stated deadline.
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Await evaluation based on creativity, impact, and relevance.
Tips for Strong Submissions
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Focus on real-life human rights experiences or challenges
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Keep the message clear, authentic, and audience-friendly
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Use storytelling to connect emotionally with viewers or readers
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Highlight positive change, solutions, or calls to action
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Ensure originality and avoid generic or copied content
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can enter the UNESCO Human Rights Everyday Essentials Contest?
Young people aged 18 to 35 from Eastern Africa are eligible to participate.
Is the contest limited to specific academic or professional backgrounds?
No. The contest is open to all eligible young people regardless of background.
What type of content can be submitted?
Participants may submit creative work in designated formats that best express their human rights message.
Are there cash prizes?
Yes. The 1st Runner-Up receives USD 1,000 and the 2nd Runner-Up receives USD 500.
What does the winner receive?
The winner is awarded a fully funded trip.
What themes should submissions focus on?
Submissions should address human rights as they relate to everyday life and lived experiences.
Is this contest only for Gen Z?
The contest targets Gen Z and young adults aged 18 to 35.
Conclusion
The UNESCO Human Rights Everyday Essentials Contest offers a powerful platform for young people in Eastern Africa to turn creativity into impact. By combining artistic expression with human rights advocacy and meaningful rewards, the contest empowers a new generation to shape conversations, influence perspectives, and drive real social change through everyday human rights storytelling.
For more information, visit UNESCO Eastern Africa.