The United Nations Human Rights Office has officially opened the call for applications for its 2026 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent.
This intensive human rights training will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, and is designed for members of the African diaspora engaged in human rights advocacy.
The program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the UN human rights system and international frameworks used to combat racism and racial discrimination.
It provides fellows with first-hand exposure to international human rights mechanisms, helping them develop project proposals and advocacy skills.
Since its inception in 2011, the fellowship has trained 169 individuals from 54 different countries.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations General Assembly resolutions regarding the International Decade for People of African Descent.
Funding and benefits
Successful applicants are entitled to several benefits, including a return economy-class ticket from their country of residence to Geneva.
Additionally, the program provides basic health insurance and a stipend to cover modest accommodation and other living expenses during the three-week session.
Application requirements and eligibility
To qualify, candidates must be of African descent living in the diaspora and possess a minimum of four years of work experience related to the rights of people of African descent.
Applicants are also required to provide an official letter from an organization working on related issues certifying their role.
The application package must include a Curriculum Vitae, a completed application form, and a personal statement of no more than 500 words explaining the candidate’s motivation.
A copy of the applicant’s passport must also be included in the submission, which should be sent in a single email.
The 2026 fellowship is scheduled to run from November 9 to November 27, though fellows are expected to complete preparatory assignments in the two weeks prior.
Candidates must be available to attend the full duration and follow the program strictly.
Deadline
The deadline for all applications is May 15, 2026. Applications should be sent in English or Spanish, with all documents attached in a specific format to ensure they are considered by the selection committee.
To apply, visit OHCHR call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
