The Wilberforce Institute is delighted to announce that the winner of the 2025 Subedi Essay Prize is Richa Shrestha for her outstanding essay, Chains of Modern Slavery: Exploring International Trafficking Networks and Foreign Fighters in the Russia-Ukraine War.
This prestigious award, established in partnership with Professor Surya Subedi OBE KC, recognises original and thought-provoking research on the abolition of modern slavery or the protection of human dignity.
The Winning Essay
The judges were highly impressed by Richa’s ability to engage critically with complex legal and humanitarian issues. The Panel Chair noted that “The essay stood out for its insightful analysis, originality and relevance to contemporary challenges in combating modern slavery. The panel was impressed by the depth of the research and the clarity of the arguments.”
About the Winner
Originally from Nepal, Richa studied at Kathmandu School of Law and currently serves as a Judicial Law Clerk at the Supreme Court of Nepal. Her work focuses on human rights law, gender justice, and constitutional rights. She has also been involved in climate justice initiatives, serving as a National Rapporteur at the Sabin Centre for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School and as a Youth Advisor to the United Nations.
Reflecting on her achievement, Richa said:
Professor Surya Subedi OBE KC, in whose honour the prize was established, commended the depth and originality of Richa’s work. He expressed his pleasure that the decision had been taken to award this year’s prize to her essay, noting that he read it with much interest and considers it well worthy of the award.
Subedi Essay Competition 2026 is now open!
We are pleased to announce that the next round of the Subedi Essay Prize is now open. The prize is for the best essay on the abolition of modern forms of slavery or the protection of human dignity anywhere in the world, with the deadline of December 31st 2025. All the details to apply can be found here