Summary
The UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026 invites applications from individuals of African descent to participate in a fully funded fellowship designed to enhance their knowledge and skills in human rights advocacy. This program offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the UN human rights system and develop critical abilities for effective advocacy.
- 🌍 UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026: Fully funded fellowship for people of African descent to experience the UN human rights system in Switzerland.
- 🇨🇭 Location & Duration: Held in Switzerland from 9th to 27th Nov 2026.
- 🎓 Eligibility: Applicants must be of African heritage, with 4+ years of relevant job experience, and fluent in English.
- 💼 Fellowship Benefits: Covers return ticket, health insurance, stipend for living costs, exposure to legal frameworks, and networking opportunities.
- 📚 Program Goals: Enhances knowledge of international human rights, including anti-racism and advocacy, and develops skills in project proposals and presentations.
- 🌐 Networking: Connect with global changemakers and gain experience with OHCHR and human rights mechanisms.
- 📝 Documents Required: Online application, passport, personal statement, CV/resume in English.
- ⏳ Application Deadline: 15th May 2026.
- 💼 How to Apply: Submit required documents via email to the specified address with the subject line “Application for the 2026 Fellowship Program for People of African Descent.”
Designation
Fully Funded Fellowship for People of African Descent
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Duration | 9-27 November 2026 |
| Award Country | Switzerland |
| Eligible Nationality | Individuals of African descent living outside Africa |
| Application Deadline | 15 May 2026 |
Research Area
- Human Rights Advocacy
- International Human Rights Law
- Addressing Racism and Racial Discrimination
Location
Geneva, Switzerland
Eligibility/Qualification
- Must be of African descent and currently living outside Africa.
- At least four years of work experience related to the rights of individuals of African descent.
- Proficient in English.
- Ability to stay for the full program duration.
- Must secure a visa for entry into Switzerland and any relevant countries.
- Active involvement in promoting the human rights of individuals of African descent.
Job Description
Participants will engage in an immersive experience where they will:
- Understand the UN human rights system and international human rights laws.
- Gain practical skills in project proposal writing and public speaking.
- Interact with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and learn about various human rights mechanisms.
- Develop strategies to promote civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
How to Apply
- Complete the online application form in English, French, or Spanish.
- Prepare the required documentation, which includes:
- A current passport
- A personal statement
- An updated curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Name application files in the format: “LastName FirstName: DocumentType” (e.g., DOE John’s CV.pdf).
- Email all five documents to ohchr-africandescentfellowship@un.org with the subject line “Application for the 2026 Fellowship Program for People of African Descent.”
- Wait for confirmation of receipt from the fellowship organizers.
Last Date for Apply
15 May 2026
This fellowship provides a transformative experience to empower advocates for the rights of individuals of African descent, fostering a network of change-makers involved in human rights advocacy.
