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TORONTO — The Zoryan Institute announced that essay submissions are now open for its first annual Levonty Kazarian Award for Genocide Studies.
Established in May 2026 through an endowment from Dr. Shahe Kazarian in memory of his wife, Levonty Kazarian, the annual award encourages high school-level students to engage critically with themes related to genocide prevention, human rights, and their role in building a more just world.
The contest is open to students currently enrolled in Grades 9-12. Students are invited to submit an essay on a topic of their choice relating to genocide and/or human rights. Given the vast number of atrocities and human rights violations taking place today, drawing parallels to contemporary examples and emerging themes in the field is encouraged. Essays should present a clear argument and use existing research and academic resources to support the author’s ideas.
Submissions will be reviewed by the editors of Genocide Studies International, the Zoryan Institute’s peer-reviewed academic journal published by University of Toronto Press. The winning student, selected by the editors, will receive the $1,000 Canadian dollars Levonty Kazarian Award for Genocide Studies to encourage continued education and engagement on genocide and human rights issues. The winning essay will also be published in an upcoming general issue of Genocide Studies International.
The contest is designed not only to recognize academic excellence, but also to encourage the next generation to engage meaningfully with questions of human rights and global responsibility. Entries will be assessed on the strength of the student’s argument, use of research and evidence, focus and detail, critical thinking, and quality of writing.
Through this annual initiative, the Zoryan Institute seeks to honour Levonty Kazarian’s legacy and carry forward her commitment to education, justice, and human rights by encouraging young people to become thoughtful participants in these conversations. |
