OHCHR Fellowship Programme

Home Fellowships OHCHR Fellowship Programme 2026 in Switzerland (Fully Funded)

To all the young changemakers working on minority rights issues, today we are here with an exciting international fellowship program offered by one of the United Nations’ specialised units
, which is meant for you! The applications are open for the OHCHR Fellowship Programme 2026. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), through its official portal, has announced the call for applications for its flagship “Minorities Fellowship Programme,” and is seeking applications from minority rights and human rights activists from around the world.

It’s a short-term, 4-5 week i ntensive training program in Geneva, Switzerland, that offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals from minority groups to gain valuable skills and knowledge in international human rights, enabling them to contribute to their home communities and organizations in protecting and promoting human rights. The fellowship programme is offered in three languages:
English, Russian & Arabic to support wider participation.

The fellowship provides comprehensive support covering all costs related to fellows,
including return airfare, Health insurance, and a stipend to cover living expenses during the program. The Minorities fellowship application is online; interested applicants must submit their applications by January 31st, 2026. Read more about the OHCHR Fellowship below.

The objective of the Minorities fellowship is to equip human rights activists from minority groups with knowledge and skills in International Human rights and help them to promote human rights in their home communities and organizations.

OHCHR is accepting applications from individuals fulfilling the following criteria:

• The fellowship is accepting applications from all nationalities
• Intended for applicants belonging to linguistic, ethnic, national, or religious minority groups.
• Applicants actively working on minority rights issues in their communities
• Proficiency in one of the programme languages (Russian, Arabic, English)
• No formal education requirement if relevant experience is demonstrated
• Willing to train others in home communities, after returning home

The OHCHR offers generous support to the selected participants. The coverage includes:

• Economy class Airtravel support to/from Geneva, Switzerland
• A competetive stipend to cover living expenses during your stay in Geneva
• Basic health insurance for the duration of the program
• Exclusive city tours
• Participants will recieve intensive training on the Human Rights System
• Networking opportunities with fellow activists and UN Experts
• Equip fellows with valuable skills and knowledge, and enable them to assist their communities and organizations.

Applicants meeting the required criteria for the OHCHR Minoritites fellowship programme need to submit their applications online via the official portal. Visit the official link below, access the application form, and the applications are available in 3 languages (English, Russian, and Arabic). Complete the application form, obtain a recommendation letter from the nominating organization, and submit.

Deadline:
Interested applicants must submit their applications by January 31st, 2026, at 23:59 (Geneva Time)

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