Apply now for the 2025 OHCHR Minority Fellowship Programme in Geneva! Gain training in human rights with travel allowance, accommodation, and more. Apply by Nov 22!
About the Fellowship
Since its inception in 2005, the Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP) has been a cornerstone of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). It serves as a transformative opportunity for human rights defenders from national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minority groups, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for their communities’ rights.
What Is the MFP?
The MFP is the most comprehensive training initiative offered by OHCHR for individuals from minority groups. By the end of this enriching experience, fellows will have a well-rounded understanding of the United Nations system, international human rights instruments, and mechanisms, with a particular focus on minority rights. This knowledge enables fellows to return to their communities equipped with the tools to promote and protect human rights effectively.
Beyond the formal training, the MFP provides a platform for activists to build strategic partnerships with other activists, the United Nations, and Geneva-based NGOs. These connections can be invaluable for advancing their advocacy work.
Programme Details
The MFP is hosted in Geneva, Switzerland, and is available in three languages: English, Russian, and Arabic. Fellows enjoy a range of benefits to support them throughout the programme, including:
- A return economy-class ticket 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.
- The programme includes a preparatory training component in Strasbourg, France, which helps fellows build foundational knowledge before diving into the core elements of the fellowship. The programme typically takes place in November each year and lasts for a month.
Who Can Apply?
The MFP is open to applicants who belong to a national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority group. It is important to note that those who do not belong to a minority group are not eligible, even if they work closely with minority communities. For Indigenous applicants, there is a separate Indigenous Fellowship Programme.
Formal education is not a requirement; instead, relevant experience and a commitment to train others in their communities are key selection criteria. Applicants must be fluent in the language of the programme they wish to join and should be nominated by an organization or community that:
- Has a strong membership within the minority group.
- Focuses on minority issues.
- Is led by persons belonging to minorities.
Application Guidelines
To apply for the MFP, candidates must complete both parts I and II of the application form, available in English, Russian, and Arabic. A recommendation letter from the nominating organization or community must accompany the application and be uploaded directly onto the online form. Only fully completed applications will be considered.
It is highly recommended to submit applications well before the deadline to ensure all requirements are met.
Selection Process
The MFP selection process aims for a balanced representation of gender and regional diversity. It also considers the broader human rights situation in applicants’ home regions and the conditions of the minority communities they represent. Previous fellows participate in the pre-selection process, choosing 15 to 20 candidates per language group. These candidates then undergo interviews, and the final selection is made by an advisory group from OHCHR.
Due to the high number of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted for further steps.
How to Apply?
Applicants can use this link to apply.
Deadline
The deadline for submission of application form is November 22, 2024.
Contact
For any questions about the application process or programme, you can reach out to OHCHR at: ohchr[hyphen]fellowship[at]un[dot]org.
