The OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship is a fully funded training program offered by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland. It gives indigenous persons the opportunity to gain knowledge about the UN system and human rights mechanisms dealing with indigenous issues. Participants are equipped to better assist their organizations and communities in protecting and promoting their rights.
The Fellowship Programme was launched in 1997 in the context of the first International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People. The training is available in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Fellows from all language components train together over 4 weeks, coinciding with the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Benefits
- Return flight ticket.
- Living expenses.
- Basic health insurance.
- The programme will be offered in four languages: English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- You must be an indigenous candidate.
- There is no specific age limit required.
- There is no restriction on formal education.
- You should be committed to educating other indigenous people after your return to the respective communities.
- The candidate with the proposed personality should apply.
- You should have a good working knowledge of any of the above-mentioned languages.
How to Apply for OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship?
- Submit your online application well before the deadline of 6 September 2026 (23:59 Geneva time).
- Ensure the application is fully completed – both Parts I and II of the application form must be filled out.
- Include an official recommendation letter from your nominating Indigenous organization or community.
- Upload the recommendation letter directly to the online application form.
- Complete the application form available at: https://survey.ohchr.org/429282?lang=en
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program 2027. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program?
It is a training programme launched in 1997 by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). It provides indigenous persons with knowledge about the UN system and human rights mechanisms, enabling them to assist their communities in protecting their rights. The programme is available in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
When does the training take place?
Fellows from all four language components train together in Geneva over 4 weeks, usually starting in June/July each year, coinciding with the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
What does the programme cover?
Selected candidates receive a return flight ticket, living expenses, and basic health insurance for the duration of the training. This makes the fellowship fully funded.
Who can apply for the programme?
Only indigenous persons can apply. Non-indigenous individuals will not be considered. The programme strongly encourages applications from women, LGBTQI+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. There are no age or formal education restrictions.
Is there an age limit?
No, age should not be a limitation to participation in the programme.
Do I need a specific educational background?
No, formal education is not a limitation. The programme recognises the socio-economic barriers many indigenous peoples face in accessing formal education.
How do I apply?
Submit your online application via the form at https://survey.ohchr.org/429282?lang=en before 6 September 2026. Complete both parts of the form and upload an official recommendation letter from your nominating indigenous organization or community.
What is the selection process?
The selection aims for gender and regional balance. A pre-selection of 15-20 candidates per language group is done by previous indigenous fellows, followed by interviews. Final selection is reviewed by an OHCHR advisory group. Only pre-selected candidates are contacted.
What language proficiency is required?
Candidates must have a good working knowledge of the language in which the programme is imparted, i.e., English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese, depending on the language component you apply for.
Who can I contact for more information?
For any questions about the Indigenous Fellowship Programme, email [email protected].
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