UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE (OHCHR)
UN OHCHR Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent
full · masters
- ~3 weeks in GenevaProgramme duration
- ~EUR 5,000 value (est.)Approximate package value
- Established 2011Programme founded
- 4+ years experienceRequired work background
- Travel and insuranceFully covered
- People of African descentEligible group
At a glance
full
Funding
€7k
Max amount
Aug 31, 2026
Deadline
People of African descent living outside Africa (all countries of residence outside Africa)
Country
UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR)
Provider
The UN OHCHR Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent is run by the UN Human Rights Office and gives participants of African descent direct, hands-on experience with the UN human rights system in Geneva, Switzerland. Established in 2011 by the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section and endorsed by a UN General Assembly resolution, it forms part of the International Decade for People of African Descent. The programme runs for roughly three weeks, historically from about 13 November to 1 December, and is fully funded: it covers economy-class return travel, basic health insurance, and a stipend that includes accommodation and other living expenses, a package worth roughly ~EUR 5,000 (est.). Fellows build skills in project-proposal development, public speaking and engaging human rights mechanisms such as treaty bodies, special procedures and the Universal Periodic Review. Eligibility requires African descent, residence outside Africa and at least 4 years of relevant work experience. Because the dates, stipend and covered items are reset each year, confirm the current-cycle figures and deadline on the official OHCHR fellowship page before applying.
What's covered
- Travel — Economy-class return air travel between the fellow's home country and Geneva, Switzerland.
- Stipend — A stipend covering accommodation and other living expenses for the duration of the programme, in the order of ~EUR 4,000 (est.) across the roughly three-week stay.
- Health insurance — Basic health insurance for the period of the fellowship in Switzerland, valued at roughly ~EUR 200 (est.).
- Skills training — Structured training in project-proposal development, public speaking and submitting information to human rights mechanisms.
- Direct exposure to UN mechanisms — First-hand engagement with treaty bodies, special procedures and the Universal Periodic Review process at the UN Human Rights Office.
How to apply
Applications are submitted to the UN Human Rights Office during the annual call, with a nominating organisation's endorsement.
- Confirm eligibility — Verify you are of African descent, live outside Africa, and have at least 4 years of relevant work experience before applying.
- Prepare your statement — Write a personal statement of up to 500 words explaining your motivation and how the knowledge gained will advance the rights of people of African descent.
- Secure a nomination — Obtain an official letter from your nominating organisation on its letterhead certifying your involvement and endorsing your application.
- Complete the application form — Fill out and sign the OHCHR application form, providing personal, educational and work-experience details.
- Submit before the deadline — Submit the form, passport copy, CV, personal statement and nomination letter to OHCHR before the published deadline.
Eligibility
Descent and residenceMust be of African descent and currently living outside of Africa.
Work experienceAt least 4 years of work experience related to the rights of people of African descent.
LanguageA good command of the English language.
AvailabilityAvailable to attend the entire duration of the programme in Geneva, historically about three weeks in November-December.
Visa and advocacyAble to obtain a visa to Switzerland and actively involved in promoting and protecting the human rights of people of African descent.
Applicants submit a completed application form, a passport copy, a CV, a personal statement of up to 500 words and an official letter from a nominating organisation on its letterhead.
Eligible countries
People of African descent living outside Africa (all countries of residence outside Africa)
Deadlines
2026 fellowship cohort~31 August 2026 (est.)
Selection
OHCHR reviews applications against the eligibility criteria, weighing the candidate's relevant work experience, the strength of the personal statement, command of English and the endorsement from the nominating organisation. The programme draws participants from diverse backgrounds, and selected fellows are notified ahead of the November-December session in Geneva.
Verified sources
- OHCHR - Fellowship Programme for People of African Descentohchr.orgofficial
About the provider
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) is the principal United Nations entity for the promotion and protection of human rights, based in Geneva, Switzerland. Its Anti-Racial Discrimination Section runs the Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent under the International Decade for People of African Descent.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who runs the OHCHR Fellowship for People of African Descent?
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It is run by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), specifically the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section, as part of the International Decade for People of African Descent.
When was the programme established?
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It was established in 2011 and is endorsed by a UN General Assembly resolution.
Where and how long is the fellowship?
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It takes place in Geneva, Switzerland, and runs for roughly three weeks, historically from about 13 November to 1 December.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
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Yes. It covers economy-class return travel, basic health insurance and a stipend covering accommodation and living expenses, a package worth roughly EUR 5,000 (est.).
Who is eligible to apply?
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People of African descent currently living outside Africa with at least 4 years of work experience related to the rights of people of African descent.
What language is required?
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Applicants need a good command of the English language, as the programme is conducted in English.
What skills will I gain?
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Skills in project-proposal development, public speaking and submitting information to human rights mechanisms, plus direct exposure to treaty bodies, special procedures and the UPR.
Do I need an organisation to nominate me?
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Yes. You must submit an official letter from a nominating organisation on its letterhead certifying your involvement.
How long should the personal statement be?
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A maximum of 500 words, explaining your motivation and how the knowledge gained will promote the rights of people of African descent.
Do I need a visa?
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Yes. You must be able to obtain a visa to Switzerland and any other country included in the programme.
When is the application deadline?
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Historically in the second half of the year; for the next cycle expect around 31 August 2026 (est.). Confirm the exact date officially.
Where do I confirm the official details?
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On the official OHCHR fellowship page, which publishes the binding eligibility, benefits, programme dates and deadline each year.