OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program 2026

A Fully Funded Opportunity for Minority Human Rights Defenders

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is inviting applications for the Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP) 2026, a fully funded, month-long training opportunity in Geneva, Switzerland. This programme is designed for individuals from minority communities who are actively working to protect and promote human rights.

Launched in 2005, the fellowship is one of OHCHR’s most comprehensive training programmes and has supported human rights defenders from across the world.

What the Fellowship Is About

The Minorities Fellowship Programme equips participants with a strong foundation in the United Nations system and international human rights law, with special focus on minority rights. Fellows gain practical knowledge of human rights instruments and mechanisms and learn how to use them effectively to support their communities.

Beyond formal training, the programme offers a rare opportunity to build global networks. Fellows connect with activists from different regions, United Nations officials, and Geneva-based civil society organizations, strengthening long-term collaboration and advocacy.

The programme is conducted in English, Arabic, and Russian and usually takes place in November, lasting one month. It includes a one-week preparatory training in Strasbourg, France.

What the Fellowship Covers

Participants selected for the programme receive full financial support, including:

• A return economy-class flight from their country of residence to Geneva
• Basic health insurance for the duration of the programme
• A stipend to cover modest accommodation and living expenses

This support allows fellows to focus fully on learning and engagement without financial burden.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

Applicants must belong to a national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority group. Individuals who do not belong to a minority group will not be considered, even if they work closely with minority communities.

Important eligibility points include:

• Formal education is not required, as long as relevant experience is demonstrated
• Applicants must be willing and able to train others in their community after the fellowship
• A good working knowledge of the programme language is required
• Candidates must be nominated and supported by an organization or community

The nominating organization should ideally represent minority interests, work directly on minority issues, and have members from minority groups.

Note: Indigenous applicants should apply through the separate Indigenous Fellowship Programme.

Selection Process

OHCHR selects fellows with attention to gender balance and regional representation, while also considering the human rights context of the applicant’s country and minority community.

The process includes:

• Pre-selection of 15 to 20 candidates per language group by former fellows
• Interviews with shortlisted candidates
• Final selection by an advisory group of OHCHR staff

Due to high application volume, only successful applicants are contacted.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete both Parts I and II of the official application form and upload an official recommendation letter from the nominating organization or community. Incomplete applications are not considered.

📅 Application Deadline:
31 January 2026 at 23:59 (Geneva time)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit well before the deadline.

Final Thoughts

The OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Programme is more than a training opportunity. It is a platform for minority human rights defenders to gain global exposure, sharpen their advocacy skills, and return home better equipped to serve their communities.

If you are part of a minority group and actively engaged in human rights work, this fellowship can be a powerful step forward in your journey.

For questions, applicants may contact: ohchr-fellowship@un.org