Andorra's Ombudsman Launches 3rd Literary and 2nd Photo Contests on Human Rights for Students

The Citizen's Ombudsman has opened the third edition of its literary contest and the second edition of its photographic contest on human rights, open to students in lower secondary, upper secondary, and vocational training across Andorra's education systems.

Organised by El Raonador del Ciutadà, the contests invite participants to submit original works linked to articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They seek to foster creative engagement with these principles among youth, positioning students as vital to promoting and safeguarding them in Andorran society.

Xavier Cañada, the Ombudsman, highlighted the contests' role in providing reflection tools and outlets for expression. He noted that human rights extend beyond knowledge to active defence and transmission, allowing young people to interpret them through literature and photography. Classroom involvement, he added, strengthens awareness and commitment in the next generation.

The literary contest accepts unpublished Catalan-language short stories or micro-stories in three categories by educational level: three-to-four-page stories or one-to-two-page micro-stories. First prizes range from €200 to €400, seconds from €100 to €300, with two books per runner-up. No AI-generated content is permitted.

For the photographic contest, entrants submit one unpublished image taken in Andorra, not previously entered or awarded. Colour or black-and-white photos are judged on technical merit, composition, artistry, originality, and human rights message. Digital filters and edits are allowed if they enhance without substantially distorting reality.

Juries of literature, photography, and culture professionals will issue binding decisions.

Educational centres may submit up to two works per classroom by 3pm on 20 November 2026. Photographic entries should go to Casa Bauró, placeta Sant Esteve. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded on 10 December 2026, International Human Rights Day, in the General Council vestibule.

Last year's contests drew 76 submissions: 42 literary and 34 photographic.