Deadline: 31 January 2026, at 23:59 (Geneva time)
Launched in 2005, the Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP) is OHCHR’s most comprehensive training programme for human rights defenders from national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minority groups.
By the end of the programme, fellows will gain a general understanding of the United Nations system, international human rights instruments, and mechanisms, with a particular focus on minority rights.
The MFP also serves as an opportunity for human rights activists to broaden their network by building strategic partnerships with activists from around the world, the United Nations, and relevant Geneva-based NGOs.
The programme is offered in three languages: English, Russian, and Arabic, and takes place in Geneva, Switzerland. Fellows are entitled to:
- A return economy class ticket from their country of residence to Geneva.
- Basic health insurance for the duration of the programme.
- A stipend to cover modest accommodation and living expenses.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must belong to a national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority group. Applicants not belonging to minority groups will not be considered, even if they have close ties with minority communities or organizations.
Note: Indigenous applicants should apply to the Indigenous Fellowship Programme, which has a separate application process.
Formal education is not a prerequisite, provided relevant experience is demonstrated. Applicants must have the ability, willingness, and opportunity to train others in their community or organization upon returning. They must also have a good working knowledge of the language in which the programme is conducted.
Candidates should be proposed and supported by their organization or community.
Ideally, the sponsoring organization:
- Has a firm constituency or membership within the minority group.
- Represents minority issues.
- Undertakes work related to minority issues.
- Is composed of persons belonging to minorities.
The goal of the MFP is to equip minority individuals with knowledge and skills in international human rights to help their communities protect and promote human and minority rights. Candidates should return to their NGO or community to work in this field.
How to Apply
Application forms are available in English, Russian, and Arabic. Both parts I and II of the form must be completed and accompanied by an official recommendation letter from the nominating organisation or community. Only fully completed applications will be considered.
The application deadline is 31 January 2026 at 23:59 (Geneva time). We encourage you to submit your application well before the deadline. Applications must include a recommendation letter, uploaded directly to the online form.
Selection Process
The selection of fellows reflects a gender and regional balance. We also take into account the general human rights situation in the relevant regions/countries, as well as the situation of the minority community to which the applicant belongs.
Pre-selection of 15 to 20 candidates per language group is conducted by previous fellows, followed by interviews for pre-selected candidates. An advisory group makes the final decision of OHCHR staff.
Due to the high volume of applications, we regret to inform you that only successful candidates will be contacted. Please note that the programme usually runs in November for one month, including a one-week preparatory training component in Strasbourg, France.
Questions
For questions regarding the Minority Fellowship Programme, please contact: ohchr-fellowship@un.org.
