The Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC), in cooperation with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, is sponsoring an essay writing contest focusing on the question, "Does the universality of human rights require a particular type of democracy?"

This question has been the subject of many debates in the international and regional arena. It has been argued that a true and meaningful realization of human rights entails not only protection of human beings from their violations and abuses but an establishment of a democratic system and institutions that will guarantee the preservation of human rights.

On the other hand, some basic tenets of democracy, such as majority rule, run counter to rights which individuals may expect the State to protect in the name of fundamental and universal human rights.

How about you? What is your take on this issue? Write down your thoughts; let us know what you think.

The best 15 essays shall receive prizes as follows: Top 4 to15 – Php 5,000 each; Third Prize - Php10,000; Secondd Prize - Php15,000; and First Prize – a trip to Germany and a seminar on human rights at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Leadership Academy.

Aside from these, the essays will also be published in a book. The publication hopes to shed light on the Filipino's perspective on the issue and fuel more discussions on human rights and raise greater awareness about the debate on human rights and democracy.

Contest Mechanics

1. The contest is open to all Filipinos.

2. Entries should be in English, encoded, double-spaced, with a minimum of 2,000 words and a maximum of 2,500 words.

3. Entries may be submitted from July 24, 2006 - August 31, 2006 By e-mail to: ahrc@aps.ateneo.edu, or regular mail to:

Ateneo Human Rights Center,
G/F Ateneo Professional Schools Building,
Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City 1200.

Details showing the name of the writer, contact numbers, e-mail and mailing addresses should be placed on a separate sheet of paper. All entries shall be considered property of the Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC).

4. The decision of the judges, selected by AHRC, shall be final.

5. Winners will be announced on September 29, 2006 and will be notified through e-mail, a phone call and a letter. Prizes shall be given after proper verification of the identities of the winners.

View the Web site for more information, or contact:

The Ateneo Human Rights Center
G/F Ateneo Professional Schools Building
Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center
Makati City 1200
Trunk line: (632)8997691 (locals 2109/2115)
Direct line: (632)8972142
Fax: (632)8994342

Sources:

http://www.admu.edu.ph/?p=120&type=2&sec=29&aid=2592

http://www.fnf.org.ph/News/writeandwincontest-mechanics.htm