By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The United Nations Human Rights Office has opened applications for its annual Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent—an intensive training opportunity for individuals from the African diaspora who are actively engaged in promoting the rights of people of African descent.
Held once a year at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland, the programme equips participants with the tools to deepen their advocacy, policy work, and collaboration with global human rights mechanisms.
The 2025 edition marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first to take place during the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034), proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 2024 (Resolution A/RES/79/193).
The Fellowship will run from 10 to 28 November 2025 in Geneva.
What Participants Will Gain
Fellows will:
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Gain in-depth knowledge of international human rights law, the UN human rights system, and the global framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.
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Develop practical skills in project design, advocacy, and public speaking.
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Learn how to align national policies and legislation with international human rights standards.
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Enhance collaboration between civil society organisations and governments.
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Undertake awareness and advocacy efforts in their local communities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be of African descent and living in the diaspora.
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Have at least four years of work experience relevant to the rights of people of African descent.
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Submit an official letter from a recognised organisation working on issues related to people of African descent or minority rights, confirming the applicant’s role.
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Be available to attend the entire programme and participate fully in its activities.
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Commit to completing pre-programme online courses and assignments in the two weeks leading up to the fellowship.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
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A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
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A completed, signed, and scanned application form.
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A 500-word personal statement explaining their motivation and how they plan to use the knowledge gained.
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An official nomination letter from a relevant organisation.
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A copy of their passport.
Note: All documents must be submitted in one single email with no more than five attachments.
How to Apply
Send your complete application by email to: ohchr-africandescentfellowship@un.org
Email Subject Line:
Application for the 2025 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent
File Naming Format:
LAST NAME First Name – Type of Document
Examples:
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SMITH Jacqueline – Application form.doc
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SMITH Jacqueline – Personal Statement.doc
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SMITH Jacqueline – Official Letter.pdf
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SMITH Jacqueline – Passport.pdf
Application Deadline: 30 June 2025
The United Nations Human Rights Office is accepting applications for its 2025 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent, taking place in Geneva, Switzerland from November 10 to 28, 2025. This initiative is aimed at empowering individuals from the African diaspora who actively advocate for the rights of people of African descent. Participants will gain knowledge in international human rights law and the UN system, enhance advocacy and public speaking skills, and learn to align national policies with global human rights standards. They will also improve collaboration between civil societies and governments while conducting local advocacy efforts.
Eligibility requires applicants to be of African descent living in the diaspora with over four years of relevant experience, a nomination letter from a recognized organization, and the ability to commit to the program's duration and pre-coursework. Required documentation includes a CV, completed application form, personal statement, nomination letter, and passport. Applications must be emailed with no more than five attached documents by June 30, 2025.
