United Nations Human Rights Fellowship Programme 2026

The Fellowship programme for people of African descent is an intensive human rights training for people of African descent, from the diaspora, who are engaged in promoting the rights of people of African descent.

It takes place once a year at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva.

The participants are equipped with the tools necessary to: ensure the development of legislation, policies and programmes aligns with international human rights standards; strengthen collaboration of civil society with governments; and undertake local awareness-raising and advocacy activities.

The Fellowship programme provides the participants with the opportunity to:

• Learn about and deepen their understanding of international human rights law and the UN human rights system, international frameworks to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and intersecting issues with a focus on people of African descent.
• Gain first-hand exposure to international human rights mechanisms and OHCHR.
• Engage with the international human rights mechanisms and OHCHR and strengthen skills in developing project proposals and delivering presentations.

About United Nation Human Rights

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is the leading UN entity on human rights. The General Assembly entrusted both the High Commissioner and her Office with a unique mandate to promote and protect all human rights for all people. The United Nations human rights programme aims to ensure that the protection and enjoyment of human rights is a reality in the lives of all people. UN Human Rights also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the three interconnected pillars of the United Nations – peace and security, human rights and development. ... continue reading

United Nations Fellowship Programme

Aim and Benefits of United Nations Fellowship Programme

Each fellow is entitled to a return ticket (economy class) from the country of residence to Geneva; basic health insurance; and a stipend to cover modest accommodation and other living expenses for the duration of the Programme.

Requirements for United Nations Fellowship Programme Qualification

The candidate must be an individual of African descent living in the diaspora.

• The candidate must have a minimum of 4 years of work experience related to the rights of people of African descent.
• The candidate should submit an official letter from an organization working on issues related to people of African descent or minority rights – on official letterhead - certifying the candidate’s role within the organization.
• The candidates must be available to attend the full duration of the programme. The selected fellows will be expected to participate in different activities and to strictly follow the programme.

Interview date, Process and Venue for United Nations Fellowship Programme

Date of the Fellowship

The Fellowship will be held from 9 to 27 November 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. The programme will be delivered in English and Spanish.

In addition, fellows are expected to dedicate a few hours to pre-online courses and preparatory assignments in the preceding two weeks.   

The selection of the fellows will reflect gender and regional balance. The human rights situation of people of African descent in the respective countries will also be taken into consideration.

Please note that because of the volume of messages, applications will not be acknowledged and only short-listed candidates will be notified by email. A notification will be published on the OHCHR webpage of the Fellowship programme when the selection process is completed. 

Check also:Learn Africa Scholarship Program 2026African Development Bank Group (AFDB) Internship 2026 (Session 2)

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted in English and Spanish.

Applicants are requested to submit the following documents in one single e-mail to [email protected]:

• A Curriculum Vitae
• A completed, signed and scanned Application Form in one single document.
• A personal statement (maximum 500 words) in which the candidate will explain their motivation for applying, and how they will use the knowledge gained from the fellowship to promote the interests and rights of people of African descent.
• An official letter from an organisation working on issues related to people of African descent or other related issues – on official letterhead - certifying the candidate’s role within the organization.
• A copy of the applicant's passport.
• Please note that submissions with more than five attachments will not be accepted.

Important: Please mention in the subject header of your e-mail: "Application for the 2026 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent." Name the attached document as follows:

LAST NAME First name – Type of document Example: SMITH Jacqueline – Application form.doc SMITH Jacqueline – A Personal Statement.doc SMITH Jacqueline – Official letter from nominating organisation .pdf SMITH Jacqueline – Passport.pdf

For more Information, Visit United Nations Human Rights webpage