UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Minorities Fellowship Programme 2025

Through the Minorities Fellowship Programme, the OHCHR aims to give persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities an opportunity to gain knowledge on the UN system and mechanisms dealing with international human rights in general and minority rights in particular. The Minorities Fellowship Programme is intended to assist organizations and communities in protecting and promoting the rights of minorities the fellows belong to.

Application Deadline: 22nd November 2024

Eligible Countries: Countries with citizens from a minority group

To Be Taken At (Country): Geneva, Switzerland

About the Award: Launched in 2005, the Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP) is OHCHR’s most comprehensive training programme for human rights and minority rights defenders belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities.

At the end of the MFP, the fellows should have a general knowledge of the United Nations system, international human rights instruments and mechanisms in general and those relevant to minorities in particular. Fellows should also be capable of further training their communities/organizations.

The Programme further serves as an opportunity for human rights activists working towards the protection and promotion of minority rights to expand their partners’ base. They do this by building a strategic dialogue with fellow activists from across the globe, the United Nations, and relevant Geneva-based NGOs, amongst other partners.

The Programme is offered in three linguistic components: English, Russian, and Arabic.

The MFP takes place in Geneva, Switzerland. Fellows are entitled to:

• a return ticket (economy class) from the country of residence to Geneva;
• basic health insurance for the duration of the Programme; and
• a stipend to cover modest accommodation and other living expenses for the duration of the Programme.

Type: Fellowship

Eligibility: The candidate must belong to a national, ethnic, linguistic or religious minority group (persons who do not belong to a minority group will not be taken into consideration, even if they have close links with minority communities and/or organizations).

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Award: The Programme is offered in three linguistic components: English, Russian, and Arabic.

The MFP takes place in Geneva, Switzerland. Fellows are entitled to:

• a return ticket (economy class) from the country of residence to Geneva;
• basic health insurance for the duration of the Programme; and
• a stipend to cover modest accommodation and other living expenses for the duration of the Programme.

How to Apply: Online fellowship application are available in English | Russian | Arabic

Both parts I and II of the application form must be filled in and signed. In addition, application forms need to be accompanied by an official recommendation letter from the nominating organization or community. Fellowship applications will only be taken into consideration if they are fully completed.

Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered.