Fully Funded UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2026 In Geneva, Switzerland To Empower Change -

About the UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme

The United Nations is calling on passionate Indigenous advocates to apply for the 2026 OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme — a prestigious, fully funded training opportunity in Geneva, Switzerland. This fellowship empowers Indigenous leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks to advocate for human rights, both locally and globally.

With over two decades of impact, the programme continues to nurture Indigenous changemakers across the globe. Applications are open until 15 September 2025.

Launched in 1997 by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Indigenous Fellowship Programme was created in response to the first International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People. Its core aim is to equip Indigenous individuals with deep insights into international human rights systems, with a special focus on Indigenous rights within the United Nations framework.

Every year, selected Indigenous fellows undergo a rigorous 4-week training in Geneva, during which they learn to navigate the UN human rights mechanisms, engage with international bodies, and amplify the voices of their communities.

A distinctive feature of the programme is its multilingual structure. Fellows representing the four main language components — English, French, Spanish, and Russian — are trained together with full simultaneous interpretation. The training typically coincides with the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) in June/July, providing participants with the chance to actively contribute to UN sessions.

Eligible Fields

While the fellowship is not limited by academic discipline, it strongly supports individuals engaged in:

Indigenous rights advocacy
Community organizing and leadership
Cultural and environmental preservation
Legal or political representation
Social justice and gender equity movements
LGBTQI+ Indigenous advocacy
Indigenous youth empowerment and education
Climate and land rights activism

Fellows are expected to use the training to advance the rights of Indigenous Peoples through community capacity-building and policy engagement.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the 2026 OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Must be Indigenous. Applications from non-Indigenous individuals — even those affiliated with Indigenous organizations — will not be accepted.
Candidates should be actively involved in an Indigenous organization or community, which must endorse their application.
Formal education is not required. The programme prioritizes inclusion of individuals who may not have had access to formal education due to systemic socio-economic barriers.
Must have a strong working knowledge of the language in which they will receive training (English, French, Spanish, or Russian).
Candidates must commit to training other Indigenous individuals in their communities upon completion of the programme.
The sponsoring organization must provide an official recommendation letter, demonstrating the candidate’s connection to the community and their readiness to share knowledge.

The UN strongly encourages applications from Indigenous women, LGBTQI+ individuals, and persons with disabilities.

Selection Criteria

The selection process is merit-based and ensures geographical and gender balance. Applications will be evaluated on:

The applicant’s Indigenous identity and community engagement
The strength of the supporting organization’s recommendation
The impact potential of the fellowship on the applicant’s community
The candidate’s language proficiency and communication skills
Their commitment to human rights work and future community training

Eligible Countries

This fellowship is open to Indigenous individuals from all regions of the world, provided they are nominated by their Indigenous organization or community and meet all eligibility criteria. The program reflects the UN’s global commitment to inclusive representation and diversity among Indigenous Peoples.

Required Documents

Applicants must complete both Part I and Part II of the application form. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Required materials include:

Completed online application form (Parts I and II)
A signed recommendation letter from an Indigenous organization or community
Indication of the preferred language of training (English, French, Spanish, or Russian)
Any supporting documentation that demonstrates involvement in Indigenous rights work

The recommendation letter must be uploaded directly via the online application portal.

Benefits of the UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme

Selected fellows will receive a fully funded package that includes:

Round-trip airfare to Geneva, Switzerland
Living expenses for the full duration of the 4-week training
Basic health insurance coverage during the programme
Access to UN training sessions and expert mentorship
Direct participation in the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP)
Opportunities to build a global network of Indigenous rights advocates
Knowledge and tools to create lasting impact within their communities

Upon returning home, fellows are expected to serve as multipliers, transferring the knowledge they gained to their communities and organizations.

How to Apply

The application process is entirely online, and all materials must be submitted before the deadline.

Complete the two-part online application form
Upload the official recommendation letter from your nominating Indigenous organization
Submit before the 15 September 2025 deadline

All questions should be directed to: ohchr-fellowship@un.org