Apply for the Minorities Fellowship Programme 2024 (Funded to Switzerland)

The Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP) was launched in 2005 and is Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN OHCHR) most comprehensive training program for human rights and minority rights defenders who belong to national or ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities.

By the end of the MFP, the fellows should have a good understanding of the United Nations system, international human rights instruments, and mechanisms in general, with a specific focus on those relevant to minorities. They should also be able to provide further training to their communities or organizations.

Moreover, the program offers an opportunity for human rights activists who work towards protecting and promoting minority rights to expand their network of partners. This is achieved through strategic dialogues with fellow activists from around the world, as well as with the United Nations and relevant NGOs based in Geneva.

The program is available in three languages: English, Russian, and Arabic.

Requirements:

• To be eligible for the program, the candidate must belong to a national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority group.
• Individuals who do not belong to a minority group, even if they have close connections with minority communities or organizations, will not be considered.
• Please note that if your community identifies as indigenous, you should not apply to this program. Instead, you should consider applying to our Indigenous Fellowship Programme.
• It is important to remember that the Indigenous Fellowship is a separate program with different application forms and deadlines.
• Formal education shouldn’t be a barrier to joining the Minorities Fellowship Programme, as long as you can show relevant experience.
• To be eligible, you should be able and willing to train others from minority communities when you return home, and agree to do so.
• You must also have a good working knowledge of the language used in the programme.
• Your organization or community should propose you as a candidate and support your candidacy. It’s preferable if the organization:
  – has a strong presence in the minority community
  – represents minority issues
  – works on minority issues
  – is made up of minority individuals.
• The main aim of the Minorities Fellowship Programme is to give minority individuals the chance to gain knowledge and skills in international human rights. This will help them protect and promote human and minority rights in their organizations and communities. That’s why it’s important for the candidate to be nominated by a minority organization or community and be committed to working in this field.

• Benefits:
  The MFP takes place in Geneva, Switzerland. If selected, you will receive:
  – a return ticket (economy class) from your country to Geneva
  – basic health insurance for the duration of the programme
  – a stipend to cover modest accommodation and living expenses during the programme.

How to apply for the Fellowship Programme:

• To apply for the Fellowship Programme, you can find the application forms in English, Russian, or Arabic.
• Make sure to fill in and sign both parts I and II of the application form.
• Additionally, you will need to include an official recommendation letter from the nominating organization or community.
• Please note that only fully completed application forms will be considered.
• If you are interested in applying, please submit your application with the subject “Application to the 2024 Minorities Fellowship Programme” either by email to [email protected] or by post to the following address:

Mr. Morse Caoagas Flores
Coordinator, Indigenous & Minorities Fellowship Programmes
Indigenous Peoples and Minorities dept
Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights
48, Avenue Giuseppe-Motta, Office 2-05
CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland

For more visit Official Website of UN OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Programme 2024.