Call for applications: OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2027 – Fully Funded UN Human Rights Fellowship in Geneva

Application Deadline: September 6, 2026

About the Programme

For the 2027 Indigenous Fellowship Programme, applications are now being accepted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Indigenous leaders from around the world are provided with the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the United Nations human rights system and gain practical skills for promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples through this prestigious fully funded fellowship programme. From different regions and language backgrounds, participants are brought together for an intensive four-week training in Geneva, Switzerland, while a unique opportunity to engage directly with UN human rights mechanisms is offered. During the first International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in 1997, the Indigenous Fellowship Programme was launched by the OHCHR. To enable indigenous people to learn about the UN system and its mechanisms for addressing human rights issues, particularly indigenous issues, the programme aims. To assist their organisations and communities in protecting and promoting their rights, trainees will be better equipped.

Programme Details

• Host: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
• Programme: Indigenous Fellowship Programme
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Duration: 4 weeks (June/July 2027)
• Funding: Fully funded (return airfare, living expenses, and basic health insurance)
• Languages: English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese
• Eligibility: Indigenous persons nominated by indigenous organisations or communities
• Education Requirement: No formal education required

From the four language groups, fellows will participate in a four-week training with simultaneous interpretation in Geneva. With the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (June/July), the training dates usually coincide, enabling fellows to engage actively with the mechanism.

Programme Content

The following will be received by selected candidates:

• Return airfare to Geneva
• Living allowance for the duration of the programme
• Basic health insurance during the training period

Eligibility Criteria

• Indigenous persons must be candidates (non-indigenous persons will not be considered, even if they have close ties to indigenous communities and/or organisations)
• Indigenous women, LGBTQI+ persons, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
• A limiting factor for participation in the programme, age should not be
• Given the socioeconomic barriers many indigenous peoples face in accessing formal education, a limiting factor for participation, formal education should not be
• Upon returning to their respective communities/organisations, candidates should agree to train other indigenous people
• By their indigenous organisation and/or community, the candidate should be proposed and supported. That the sponsoring organisation has a firm constituency or membership and is representative is desirable
• A good working knowledge of the language in which the programme is delivered should be possessed by the candidate

Why This Programme Matters

A unique opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the UN human rights system and gain practical skills for promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples is provided to indigenous leaders by the OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme. By bringing together participants from different regions and language backgrounds, capacity is built within indigenous communities and their engagement with international human rights mechanisms is strengthened.

For indigenous persons nominated by their organisations or communities, this fully funded programme offers:

• Intensive four-week training in Geneva
• Direct engagement with UN human rights mechanisms
• Knowledge and skills to assist communities in protecting their rights
• A network of indigenous leaders from around the world
• The opportunity to train others upon returning to their communities

Application Procedure

Well before the deadline of 6 September 2026 (23:59 Geneva time), applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their online applications.

Important Notes:

• Only if they are fully completed will fellowship applications be considered. Both parts I and II of the application form must be completed
• An official recommendation letter from the nominating Indigenous organisation or community must be included in application forms
• Directly to the online application form, applicants should upload their recommendation letters

Selection Process

The following is reflected in the selection of fellows:

• Gender and regional balance
• Balance between communities represented
• Consideration of the general human rights situation in respective regions/countries

Selection Stages:

1. By previous indigenous fellows, a pre-selection of 15 to 20 candidates per language group is made
2. With pre-selected candidates who applied to the English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese language components, interviews are conducted
3. By an advisory group composed of OHCHR staff, the final selection of successful candidates is reviewed

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

Contact Information: To: ohchr-fellowship@un.org , any questions pertaining to the Indigenous Fellowship Programme can be emailed.

Application Deadline: September 6, 2026 (23:59 Geneva Time)

How to Apply

Application Link:  Click here

For More Information: Visit the Official OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme Page