Applications are now accepted for the UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme
Applications are currently being accepted for the UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2025. This initiative was established in 1997 by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) during the first International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People.
The primary goal of the program is to provide indigenous individuals with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the UN system and mechanisms that address human rights matters in general, as well as indigenous issues specifically. By participating in this training, individuals are better prepared to support their organizations and communities in safeguarding and advocating for their rights. The training sessions are conducted in 5 languages: English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Portuguese.
Participants from all 5 language groups of the program undergo training together with simultaneous interpretation for a period of 4 weeks in Geneva. Typically, the training coincides with the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which takes place in June or July each year. This allows fellows to actively engage in the Mechanism’s activities.
Expenses – UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme
Selected candidates will receive a round-trip flight ticket, coverage for living expenses, and basic health insurance throughout the training period.
Eligibility – UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme
1. The candidate must be of indigenous descent, and non-indigenous individuals will not be considered, even if they have close ties to indigenous communities and/or organizations.
2. Age should not be a barrier to participating in the program.
3. Lack of formal education should not hinder participation in the IFP, given the socio-economic obstacles faced by many indigenous peoples that limit access to formal educational institutions.
4. Candidates should be willing to train other indigenous individuals upon their return to their respective communities/organizations.
5. The candidate must be proposed and supported by their indigenous organization and/or community. It is preferable that the sponsoring organization has a strong constituency or membership and is representative.
6. The candidate should have a good working knowledge of the language in which the program is conducted.
Application – UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme
Send your completed application form well in advance of the deadline. Fellowship applications will only be considered 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: [email protected] and copy: [email protected]
- Application forms must be accompanied by an official recommendation letter from the nominating indigenous organization or community.
- For details visit UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship.
- Deadline is August 31, 2024
