United Nations OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program 2026 and Geneva

The United Nations OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program 2026 is now accepting applications, offering a transformative opportunity for human rights defenders belonging to national, ethnic, religious, or linguistic minority groups. This prestigious initiative is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the UN system and international human rights instruments. Consequently, the United Nations OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program 2026 stands as a vital platform for empowering community leaders to advocate effectively for minority rights on a global stage.

Hosted in Geneva, Switzerland, this program includes a unique preparatory training component in Strasbourg, France. Furthermore, the fellowship is fully funded, covering travel, health insurance, and living expenses, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder participation. Therefore, eligible candidates who are passionate about protecting the rights of their communities should apply for this paid fellowship before the deadline.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	United Nations OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program 2026
Host Organization	Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Location	Geneva, Switzerland (with training in Strasbourg, France)
Languages	English, Russian, Arabic
Funding Type	Paid (Stipend + Travel)
Deadline	January 31, 2026

Program Overview

The Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP), launched in 2005, serves as OHCHR’s most comprehensive training program for minority representatives. Specifically, the fellowship aims to equip fellows with a general understanding of the United Nations system, with a particular focus on mechanisms relevant to minority rights. By the end of the program, participants are expected to have the skills necessary to train others within their home communities.

In addition to the core curriculum in Geneva, the United Nations OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program 2026 includes a one-week preparatory training session in Strasbourg, France. This component is crucial for improving both personal and professional skills, offering hands-on experience that fellows can apply directly to their advocacy work.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure the program reaches its intended audience, strict eligibility criteria apply.

• Minority Status: Applicants must belong to a national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority group. Those not belonging to these groups will not be considered.
• Indigenous Exclusion: Indigenous applicants should apply to the separate Indigenous Fellowship Programme.
• Education: Formal education is not a prerequisite, provided the applicant demonstrates relevant experience.
• Language Skills: Applicants must have a good working knowledge of one of the program languages: English, Russian, or Arabic.
• Community Support: Candidates must be proposed and supported by their organization or community and must be willing to train others upon returning.

Financial Benefits and Support

The United Nations OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program 2026 is a paid fellowship designed to remove financial barriers.

• Travel: Fellows receive a return economy class ticket from their country of residence to Geneva.
• Stipend: A stipend is provided to cover modest accommodation and living expenses for the duration of the fellowship.
• Health Insurance: Basic health insurance is covered for the entire duration of the program.

Application and Selection Process

The application process is rigorous and requires careful preparation.

1. Online Application: Candidates must complete the online application forms (Part I and Part II) available on the official website.
2. Recommendation Letter: Applications must be accompanied by an official recommendation letter from the nominating organization or community, uploaded directly to the form.
3. Selection: Pre-selection is conducted by previous fellows, followed by interviews. The final decision is made by an advisory group of OHCHR staff, ensuring a gender and regional balance.

Important Dates

Activity	Date
Application Deadline	31 January 2026 (23:59 Geneva time)
Program Duration	Approximately 1 month (Usually November)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible for the United Nations OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program 2026?

Individuals belonging to national, ethnic, religious, or linguistic minority groups who are supported by their community organization are eligible.

2. Is the fellowship fully funded?

Yes, the program covers return airfare, basic health insurance, and provides a stipend for accommodation and living expenses.

3. What languages is the program conducted in?

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

4. When does the program take place?

The fellowship usually takes place for one month in November each year.

5. Can Indigenous people apply for this fellowship?

No, Indigenous applicants are directed to apply for the separate Indigenous Fellowship Programme.