Applications are now officially open for the OHCHR Minorities Fellowship 2026, a highly valued and fully funded worldwide fellowship targeted at empowering minority rights and human rights defenders from throughout the globe. This rigorous program lasts four to five weeks and will be conducted in Geneva, Switzerland, during the fall of 2026—home to the United Nations Human Rights Headquarters.
Each year, the fellowship selects around 15 to 20 individuals per language stream, which includes English, Russian, and Arabic. Crucially, the fellowship is open to committed activists, community leaders, and minority rights advocates from a variety of backgrounds because there is no application cost and no stringent formal educational requirements.
All major costs, including round-trip international travel, full health insurance, cozy lodging in Geneva, a living allowance to cover everyday expenses, and planned educational trips to different cities and institutions, are fully financed.
The OHCHR Minorities Fellowship is designed especially for members of minority groups who are actively involved in advocacy for human rights or minority rights. Participants will get comprehensive training on the UN human rights institutions during the fellowship, including mechanisms, procedures, treaty bodies, and international standards pertaining to minority rights. Fellows will also acquire hands-on experience connecting with UN experts, attending workshops, and acquiring practical skills to boost their advocacy activities.
After completing the program, participants return to their communities with improved tools, global networks, and advanced knowledge to advance, defend, and elevate the rights of minority groups back home.
Host Country: Switzerland
Host By: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Duration: 4 to 5 Weeks
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- All nationalities are welcome to apply for the fellowship.
- Candidates must belong to an official national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority.
- Candidates without a formal education may still be eligible if they can demonstrate significant relevant experience; there are no stringent academic requirements.
- In order to achieve human and minority rights, candidates must be formally nominated by their minority group or community and then return to their NGO.
Benefits:
- For the period of the fellowship, round-trip airfare to and from Switzerland is fully supported.
- Comfortable lodging is offered for the entire time in Geneva.
- A living allowance to cover meals, local transit, and other important daily expenses.
- arranged trips and visits to important institutions and towns to improve education and exposure to different cultures.
Deadline: 31st January 2026
