Are you a human rights defender from a minority community seeking an international, fully funded opportunity in Europe? The OHCHR Minorities Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland offers a unique chance to receive professional training at the United Nations in Geneva. Organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), this prestigious fellowship empowers minority rights advocates with practical knowledge of international human rights mechanisms. With all expenses covered and no application fee, the program is open to candidates from around the world.
What Is the OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program?
The OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program 2026 is a short-term, fully funded training initiative designed for individuals belonging to national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority groups. The fellowship takes place in Geneva, Switzerland, and focuses on strengthening participants’ capacity to protect and promote minority rights through the United Nations system.
Each year, the program selects approximately 15 to 20 fellows per language group, offering sessions in:
- English
- Arabic
- Russian
Key Details of OHCHR Minorities Fellowship 2026
Program Overview
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Location: Geneva
- Duration: 4 to 5 weeks
- Program Type: Fully Funded Fellowship
- Deadline: 31 January 2026
MUST VISIT: 26th International AIDS Conference 2026 in Brazil (Fully Funded)
Financial Benefits
The OHCHR Minorities Fellowship 2026 is fully funded and covers all major expenses, allowing fellows to focus entirely on learning and networking.
Covered Expenses
- Return airfare to and from Switzerland
- Free accommodation in Geneva
- Daily living expenses
- Health insurance coverage
- Study visits and city tours
Objective of the Fellowship
The primary goal of the OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program is to equip minority representatives with in-depth knowledge of international human rights standards and UN mechanisms. Fellows are trained to effectively advocate for minority rights and apply their learning within their communities and organizations after completing the program.
What Fellows Will Learn
During the fellowship, participants gain practical exposure to:
- The United Nations human rights system
- International minority rights frameworks
- Advocacy strategies at the global level
- Engagement with UN human rights bodies
- Networking with global human rights experts and activists
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the OHCHR Minorities Fellowship 2026:
- Open to applicants from all nationalities
- Must belong to a national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority group
- Formal education is not mandatory if relevant experience is demonstrated
- Must be nominated by a minority organization or community
- Commitment to return to their organization and contribute to minority rights advocacy
Why Apply for the OHCHR Minorities Fellowship 2026?
This fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for minority rights defenders to:
- Receive UN-level training in human rights
- Gain international exposure in Switzerland
- Build long-term professional networks
- Strengthen advocacy efforts at local and global levels
- Participate in a prestigious, fully funded UN program
MUST VISIT: UNDP Internship 2026 in Denmark ($1000/Month Stipend)
How to Apply for the OHCHR Minorities Fellowship 2026
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official OHCHR website. Applications must be completed online and submitted before the deadline.
Applicants are advised to carefully follow all instructions provided on the official platform to ensure successful submission.
For more scholarship opportunities, please visit International Scholarships.
