Call for Papers

Human Rights Paper Session

Human Rights Cities Against Authoritarianism and Populism

Co-organizers:

The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, the International Centre for the Promotion of Human Rights at the Local and Regional Levels under the auspices of UNESCO, the UNESCO Chair in Human Rights and Human Security, University of Graz, The May 18 Institute Chonnam National University, the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University, and Gwangju International Center

We are co-hosting the 11th Human Rights Paper Session as a part of the World Human Rights Cities Forum (WHRCF) 2026, being held in Gwangju, South Korea from the 13th to the 15th of May 2026. We invite human rights researchers and practitioners to submit papers on the theme "Human Rights Cities Against Authoritarianism and Populism".

Selected papers will be presented on-site during the WHRCF. Presenters will also be invited to submit their papers for consideration in the Nordic Journal of Human Rights, a peer-reviewed academic journal published by the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights.

Important Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline:                                           March 19, 2026

Acceptance Notification:                                                      March 24, 2026

Paper Submission Deadline:                                               April 20, 2026

Presentation Material Submission Deadline:                   May 1, 2026

Presentation at WHRCF 2026:                                             May 14, 2026

Application Process

Submit an abstract (not exceeding 500 words) to the following email address: whrcf@gic.or.kr

Please note that the following information must be included in your submission:

- Author’s name and affiliation

- Author’s short bio of 100 words to be included in the abstract itself

- A list of relevant publications

- Author’s contact details, including email address and contact number

* All information should be submitted in MS Word format in English.

Full Paper Submission

Selected authors must submit an advance draft of their papers prior to the Forum. Papers should:

- Be limited to up to 5,000 words (excluding bibliography)

- Be written in English and submitted in MS Word format

- Follow the APA style guidelines

Presentation at WHRCF

- Presenters from abroad will be provided with 2-night accommodation (13–15 May). In this regard, as the event operates on a self-funding basis, participants will be responsible for their own airfare and other travel-related expenses. For smooth operation of the session, presenters are strongly encouraged to attend on site. However, if in-person attendance is not possible, online participation will be arranged.