UN Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent 2026: Fully Funded Geneva Training
Are you ready to advance human rights for people of African descent? The United Nations Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent 2026 offers a fully funded chance to train in Geneva, Switzerland. Hosted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), this program builds skills for advocacy and change.
What Is the Fellowship Programme?
This intensive training targets people of African descent from the diaspora who work to promote their rights. It happens once a year at OHCHR in Geneva. Participants learn about international human rights law, the UN system, and tools to fight racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related issues.
The program started in 2011 under OHCHR’s Anti-Racial Discrimination Section. It gained support from UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/69/16. Now, it aligns with the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025-2034), proclaimed by resolution A/RES/79/193.
Fellows get hands-on exposure to UN mechanisms. They practice project proposals and presentations. Since 2011, 169 people from 54 countries have joined, including from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, and many others.
Purpose of the Programme
The goal is to equip participants with skills to protect civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights for people of African descent. Fellows learn to align local laws and policies with global standards. They build ties between civil society and governments.
Trained fellows run awareness campaigns and advocacy in their home countries. Stories from past fellows show real impact. “Voices of the Decade” shares 11 tales of their work worldwide. These accounts inspire action for justice and development.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be individuals of African descent living in the diaspora. They need at least four years of experience in rights related to people of African descent. An official letter from an organization on minority or African descent issues is required. It must be on letterhead and confirm the applicant’s role.
Candidates must attend the full program. Availability for all activities is key. The selection considers gender balance, regional representation, and human rights conditions in applicants’ countries.
Dates and Duration
The fellowship runs from 9 to 27 November 2026 in Geneva. It uses English and Spanish. Fellows complete online courses and assignments two weeks before.
How to Apply
Send all documents in one email to ohchr-africandescentfellowship@un.org. Include:
- A curriculum vitae.
- A signed, scanned application form (download from the OHCHR site).
- A personal statement (up to 500 words) on your motivation and plans to use the training.
- The official organization letter.
- A passport copy.
Limit to five attachments or fewer. Use the subject: “Application for the 2026 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent.” Name files like “LAST NAME First name – Type of document.”
The deadline is 15 May 2026. Applications in English or Spanish are accepted.
Selection Process
OHCHR reviews for balance and relevance. Due to high volume, only shortlisted candidates get email notices. Results appear on the OHCHR fellowship webpage.
Benefits for Participants
Each fellow receives an economy-class return ticket to Geneva, basic health insurance, and a stipend for lodging and daily costs. This covers the full stay. The program provides tools for lifelong impact in human rights work.
For full details, visit the OHCHR page: https://www.ohchr.org/en/about-us/fellowship-programmes/fellowship-programme-people-african-descent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent?
It is an intensive training program in Geneva hosted by OHCHR to build skills in international human rights law and advocacy against racism for people of African descent from the diaspora.
Who can apply for the 2026 fellowship?
Applicants must be of African descent living in the diaspora with at least four years of experience in related rights work, plus an official letter from an organization on letterhead.
What are the dates and application deadline?
The program runs from 9 to 27 November 2026, with applications due by 15 May 2026 sent to ohchr-africandescentfellowship@un.org in English or Spanish.
What benefits do selected fellows receive?
Fellows get an economy-class return ticket to Geneva, basic health insurance, and a stipend for lodging and daily costs during the full stay.