Call for applications: OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program 2025

The Indigenous Fellowship Programme by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) allows indigenous persons to learn about the UN system and mechanisms dealing with human rights issues in general and Indigenous issues in particular.

When is Application Deadline:

Not specified (we strongly encourage you to send your application form well before the deadline)

Tell Me About the Award:

The Indigenous Fellowship Programme was launched in 1997 by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the context of the first International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People. The aim of the programme is to give indigenous persons the opportunity to gain knowledge about the UN system and mechanisms dealing with human rights issues in general and indigenous issues in particular. Trained participants are better equipped to assist their organisations and communities in protecting and promoting their rights. This training programme is available in 5 languages: English, Spanish, French, Russian and Portuguese.

Which Fields are Eligible?

Human rights with a focus on indigenous issues.

Type:

Fellowship programme.

Who can Apply for the OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program?

1. The candidate must be indigenous (non-indigenous persons will not be taken into consideration, even if they have close links with indigenous communities and/or organizations).
2. Age should not be a limitation to participation in the programme.
3. Formal education should not be a limitation to participation in the IFP given the socio-economic barriers confronted by many indigenous peoples that limit access to formal educational institutions.
4. Candidates should agree to train other indigenous persons after the return to their respective communities/organizations.
5. The candidate should be proposed, and his/her candidacy supported by his/her indigenous organization and/or community. It is desirable that the sponsoring organization has a firm constituency or membership and that it is representative.
6. The candidate should have a good working knowledge of the language in which the programme is imparted.

How are Applicants Selected?

The selection of fellows reflects a gender and regional balance, as well as a balance between communities represented. The general human rights situation in the respective regions/countries is also taken into consideration.

A pre-selection of 15 to 20 candidates per language group is made by previous indigenous fellows. The selection process also entails interviews of pre-selected candidates who applied to either the English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, or Russian language components of the programme.

In the case of the Portuguese, Spanish and Russian language components of the programme, the selection of candidates is also carried out in collaboration with partner universities (University of Brasilia, University of Deusto, and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia) that provide the preparatory training courses to the Programme. The final selection of successful candidates is reviewed by an advisory group composed of OHCHR staff.

In view of the large number of applications, only pre-selected candidates are contacted.

Which Countries are Eligible?

All countries with indigenous populations.

Where will Award be Taken?

Geneva, Switzerland.

How Many Awards?

Not specified.

What is the Benefit of Award?

– Return flight ticket.

– Living expenses.

– Basic health insurance for the duration of the training.

How Long Will the Award Last?

4 weeks.

How to Apply for the OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program:

We strongly encourage you to send your application form well before the deadline. Fellowship applications will only be taken into consideration if they are fully completed. Both parts I and II of the application form must be signed and sent by regular post to the following address:

Mr. Morse Caoagas Flores
Coordinator, Indigenous Fellowship Programme
Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Section
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
48, Avenue Giuseppe-Motta, Office 2-05
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland

Scanned applications are also accepted and can be sent to the following email: ohchr-fellowship@un.org and copy: morse.flores@un.org

Application forms need to be accompanied by an official recommendation letter from the nominating indigenous organization or community.

Visit Award Webpage for Details