Applications are now open for the UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2027, offering Indigenous representatives an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of the United Nations system and international human rights mechanisms.
The programme is organised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and provides selected participants with intensive training on human rights and issues affecting Indigenous Peoples. Fellows are expected to use the knowledge gained to support their organisations and communities in promoting and protecting their rights.
Programme Overview
The OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme was established in 1997 to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous representatives and their communities to engage with the United Nations human rights system.
The current programme cohort will involve four weeks of training in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together Indigenous representatives from different parts of the world.
Through the fellowship, participants will strengthen their understanding of the UN human rights system and Indigenous Peoples’ rights, exchange experiences with other Indigenous representatives and develop practical knowledge that can support their advocacy and community work.
See Also: United Nations Foundation Internships | Paid Internships
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2027 should meet the following requirements:
- The applicant must be an Indigenous person. Non-Indigenous applicants will not be considered, even where they have close links with Indigenous communities or organizations.
- There is no age restriction for participation in the programme.
- Formal educational qualifications should not prevent an applicant from participating, considering the barriers many Indigenous Peoples face in accessing formal education.
- Applicants should be willing and able to train other Indigenous persons after returning to their communities or organizations.
- The applicant should be nominated and supported by an Indigenous organization or community.
- The nominating organization should preferably have a recognized constituency or membership and be representative of the Indigenous community.
- Applicants must have a good working knowledge of the language of the programme component for which they are applying.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive support that enables them to participate in the programme in Geneva. The fellowship generally covers:
- Return travel to Geneva.
- A stipend to cover accommodation and other living expenses during the programme.
- Basic health insurance for the duration of the fellowship.
- Four weeks of intensive human rights training.
- Opportunities to interact and exchange experiences with Indigenous representatives from different regions.
- Practical exposure to the United Nations human rights system and mechanisms relating to Indigenous Peoples.
Also Check: Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships [USD50,000 per Annum]
Application Procedures
How to Apply: Applications for the OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2027 are completed through the official OHCHR online application system.
Interested applicants should:
- Access the 2027 OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme online application form.
- Select the appropriate language version of the application.
- Complete all required sections of the online application form with accurate personal, community and professional information.
- Provide information about the Indigenous organization or community nominating and supporting the application.
- Obtain an official recommendation letter from the nominating Indigenous organization or community.
- Upload the required recommendation letter and any other supporting information requested in the application.
- Review the application carefully to ensure all required sections have been completed before submitting it online.
Applicants should ensure that their nominating organization or community fully supports their participation in the programme before submitting the application.
Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Completed online application form.
- Official recommendation letter from the nominating Indigenous organisation or community.
- Personal and contact information.
- Information about the applicant’s Indigenous community or organisation.
- Any additional information or supporting documents requested through the online application system.
Application Deadline: 6 September 2026 (23:59 Geneva time)
Applications submitted during this cycle are for participation in the 2027 OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme.
