PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The Haitian Human Rights Office (BDHH) officially launched the 9th edition of its Human Rights Advocacy Competition on Thursday, July 9, 2026, bringing together university students from across the country to participate in a program designed to strengthen advocacy, public speaking, and civic engagement on human rights issues.
The initiative, organized annually by the BDHH, seeks to encourage young people to deepen their understanding of fundamental rights while developing the communication and analytical skills necessary to address contemporary social challenges. The competition has become an important platform for university students interested in law, public policy, social sciences, and human rights advocacy.
Speaking during the official launch, Pauline Lecarpentier, Secretary General of the BDHH, explained that the competition is specifically designed for university students and aims to promote reflection on issues affecting Haitian society through structured advocacy and public debate.
Theme: Climate Justice and Economic Development
According to Lecarpentier, participants were invited to submit written essays online addressing this year’s theme: “Climate Justice and Economic Development.” The theme encourages students to examine the relationship between environmental sustainability, economic growth, and the protection of fundamental human rights.
Following the evaluation of the written submissions, 36 candidates were selected to advance to the oral advocacy phase of the competition. This stage, scheduled to take place over two days, began on Thursday, July 9, and continues on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Oral Rounds and Youth Engagement
During the oral rounds, participants will present arguments before a panel of judges, demonstrating their ability to analyze complex human rights issues, defend their positions with evidence, and communicate effectively before an audience.
Organizers believe the competition provides an opportunity for students to strengthen their legal reasoning, critical thinking, and public speaking abilities while encouraging active participation in discussions surrounding democracy, environmental responsibility, and social justice.
The focus on climate justice reflects growing international attention to the disproportionate impact that climate change has on vulnerable populations. Haiti remains one of the Caribbean countries most exposed to hurricanes, flooding, droughts, and other climate-related events, making environmental justice an increasingly important topic for policymakers, researchers, and civil society organizations.
By linking climate justice with economic development, this year’s competition also encourages participants to explore how sustainable economic policies can contribute to protecting human rights while promoting inclusive growth and long-term resilience.
The BDHH emphasized that investing in youth education and civic participation remains essential for strengthening democratic institutions and fostering a new generation of leaders committed to defending human rights in Haiti.
As the competition continues, organizers hope the initiative will inspire more university students to engage in constructive dialogue on public policy, environmental challenges, and human rights while encouraging greater civic participation throughout the country.
The annual advocacy competition remains one of BDHH’s flagship educational initiatives, reflecting its continued commitment to promoting human rights awareness and empowering young Haitians through education and public engagement.
The Bureau des Droits Humains en Haïti (BDHH) has historically played a critical role in providing legal assistance to marginalized communities while fostering academic engagement on structural rights. By organizing these annual debates, the institution strengthens democratic values among future lawyers, scholars, and civil leaders. This year’s focus on sustainable economics and climate preservation guarantees that youth conversations align directly with global human rights objectives and national recovery plans.Furthermore, the active involvement of academic institutions from various regions ensures a diverse representation of voices. This collective effort remains paramount for building long-term social resilience and equitable policy standards across Haiti. It is essential.
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