The International 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, with the subject line “Sustainable Poetry Submission,” to [email protected]

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 disqualify the entrant.

Deadline: 31st March 2026

30th April: Long List Published

10th May: Short List of 15

2nd June:  Winners Announced