UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026: Fully Funded Geneva Trip
Country: Switzerland
Category: Fellowship
Funding: Fully funded
Host Organization: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Program Dates: 9 to 27 November 2026
Deadline: 15 May 2026
The UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026 is a fully funded fellowship at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. It is designed for people of African descent living in the diaspora and focuses on human rights training, international exposure, and practical learning. The program runs once a year and offers participants a chance to engage with the UN human rights system.
Program Overview
The UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026 is an intensive human rights training program for people of African descent. It was first started in 2011 by the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section and later supported by a General Assembly resolution. The fellowship also supports activities linked to the International Decade for People of African Descent.
The program aims to strengthen participants’ skills and support the promotion and protection of civil, social, economic, political, and cultural rights of people of African descent. It also focuses on helping participants improve legislation, policies, and programs, while strengthening cooperation between civil society and governments.
Benefits of the UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026
✓ Financial support is provided through this fully funded fellowship.
✓ A return economy-class travel ticket to Switzerland is covered.
✓ Basic health insurance is included.
✓ A stipend is provided for accommodation and other living expenses.
✓ Participants gain a deeper understanding of racism and related intolerance issues and the legal frameworks used to address them.
✓ The fellowship offers first-hand exposure to human rights mechanisms.
✓ Participants also receive international networking opportunities and career development value.
UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026 Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
• Be of African descent living in the Diaspora.
• Have at least 4 years of work experience related to the rights of African people who are descended.
• Be proficient in English.
• Be available to attend the full program duration.
• Be able to obtain a visa for Switzerland.
• Submit a certification letter from an organization working on issues of African descent or minority rights.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
• Completed application form
• Copy of applicant’s passport
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal statement of 500 words explaining the motivation for applying
• Official letter from the nominating organization
Application Process
Applications can be submitted in English, French, or Spanish. Candidates must email the application form and required documents to [email protected]. All files must be renamed in this format: “LAST NAME First name – Type of document.” The email subject must be “Application for the 2026 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent”. Any submission with more than five attachments will be disqualified.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed against the selection criteria, and the final decision will be made by the Director General.
Deadline
• The deadline for submitting applications is 15 May 2026.
