Verdade e Justiça
"May the desire for power
and the violence of words give
way to a thirst for justice and truth"
— Pope Leo XIV
International Poetry Competition
Theme 2026: Truth and Dignity
Open to poets worldwide
Words that illuminate. Poetry that sustains.
Send your poem now!
truthandjusticepoetry@gmail.com
The Truth and Justice International Poetry Award was born from a concrete human experience and from a simple conviction: truth is among the most precious treasures of human life, and fidelity to truth often requires a courage that exceeds ordinary human strength.
The Mission of the Award
The origin of this award lies in the story of two Brazilians: Chancery Officer Flávia Medeiros and Judge Robson José dos Santos.
Under different circumstances, both came to face challenges that gave rise to public and institutional debate. Flávia Medeiros saw her Afro-descendant identity questioned in the context of affirmative-action policies designed to expand the participation of Afro-descendants in the Brazilian public service.
Robson José dos Santos, the first Black judge admitted to the judiciary of Rondônia through affirmative-action policies, came to face serious allegationsallegations and institutional controversies that placed his professional trajectory under scrutiny, relating to his professional conduct and his continuation in office.
The legal and institutional questions arising from these situations belong to the proper mechanisms of the rule of law and to public debate in Brazil. This award does not seek to anticipate conclusions, revise legal findings, or interfere in ongoing proceedings.
Its purpose is different.
While following the human suffering associated with such circumstances, one may discover something that often escapes public discussion: even the strongest individuals sometimes need words capable of reminding them who they are, what values they serve, and why it remains worthwhile to continue.
Such words are not always readily offered to those who find themselves under accusation, scrutiny, or public judgment.
The healing effect of words reveals an ancient truth, known to poets, philosophers, and spiritual teachers across civilizations: there are occasions when a single page of simple verses offers greater strength to persevere than long discussions about power, prestige, or victory.
Poetry performs a task that belongs uniquely to it: sustaining the human spirit during periods of trial and preserving the integrity of conscience when circumstances place it under pressure.
Human history offers countless examples of men and women who endured exclusion, discrimination, persecution, defeat, or misunderstanding without abandoning truth, justice, or love for others. Some surrendered to resentment. Others discovered within themselves a deeper source of courage and chose to leave something positive to the world.
This award was created to honour that vocation.
Mission of the Award
India occupies a special place in the inspiration behind this initiative for having bequeathed to humanity one of history's most remarkable traditions of devotion to truth and moral perseverance. The lives of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, B. R. Ambedkar, Sarojini Naidu, and countless other Freedom Fighters remind us that the most enduring transformations are often born from men and women who refuse to abandon their conscience. They understood that the first victory takes place within the person who refuses to be reduced by humiliation.
From that same heritage emerged a poetic tradition of rare beauty, dedicated to celebrating human dignity, inner freedom, and strength of spirit. It is from this convergence of truth, perseverance, and poetry—of which Rabindranath Tagore remains one of the finest exponents—that this award draws part of its inspiration.
People who endure public humiliation while believing that they are defending not merely their own interests but principles greater than themselves face hardship. How can we nourish the soul of someone carrying such a burden? What can we offer those who face adversity without surrendering their dignity?
The present award offers one possible answer.
Poetry derives its greatness not from defeating opponents but from preserving the integrity of conscience. It gives courage to the weary, strength to the discouraged, and hope to those who continue to serve truth despite uncertainty. It seeks beauty that strengthens, words that illuminate, and a language capable of reminding women and men that human dignity does not depend upon temporary recognition, but upon holding to the higher values that guide conscience.
In establishing this award, its organizers affirm their conviction that poetry continues to fulfil one of culture's highest purposes: to keep alive the flame of truth when circumstances seem determined to obscure it, and to sustain the thirst for justice.
Essential Documents & Edital
Access the official requirements and submission guidelines for the Truth and Justice International Poetry Award.
The complete official call for submissions and award criteria.
Official Edital
Declaration
(Form 1)
Declaration that you agree the decision of the Jury is final.
Authorization (Form 2)
Authorization for the translation and publication of your poem, image, and profile informed.
Edital in Portuguese
Aqui você encontra o Edital Oficial 2026 em português, com valores correspondentes em reais.
Your Voice for Justice
E-mail your poem and docs to:
truthandjustice.poetry@gmail.com
E-mail your poem and docs to:
truthandjustice.poetry@gmail.com
Join the global movement of poetic expression. Submit your original work centered on the theme of Truth and Dignity to be considered for this prestigious international award.
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