Deadline: September 15, 2025
Are you an Indigenous rights advocate committed to advancing the cause of your community? The UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2026 is now open for applications! This prestigious, fully funded opportunity offers intensive human rights training in Geneva, Switzerland, and is tailored to empower Indigenous leaders from across the world.
Read on for full details, eligibility, benefits, and how to apply for the UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2026.
About the Indigenous Fellowship Programme
Launched in 1997 by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Indigenous Fellowship Programme is designed to build the capacity of Indigenous individuals to promote and defend human rights within their communities. The programme offers hands-on exposure to international human rights instruments and UN mechanisms.
Each year, selected fellows receive intensive training over four weeks in Geneva, where they learn advocacy, UN engagement strategies, and tools to raise awareness on Indigenous rights globally.
Fellowship Dates and Application Deadline
- Fellowship Period: June–July 2026 (aligned with the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – EMRIP)
- Application Deadline: 15 September 2025
What the Fellowship Covers
Selected fellows receive comprehensive support, including:
- Return airfare to Geneva
- Living stipend to cover basic needs
- Basic health insurance for the training duration
This makes it a truly fully funded opportunity, removing financial barriers for passionate Indigenous advocates.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be an Indigenous person (proof required; applications from non-Indigenous individuals will not be considered)
- Be endorsed by an Indigenous organisation or community
- Be committed to training others upon return
- Have a working knowledge of English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese
- No formal education or age limit applies – experience and commitment matter most
Selection Process
- Around 15–20 candidates are shortlisted for each language group
- Selection is carried out by former fellows and OHCHR staff
- Includes an interview stage for shortlisted applicants
- Final selection considers gender balance, regional representation, and community diversity
Only pre-selected applicants will be contacted.
Application Process
Applicants are required to:
- Download and complete the application forms (Parts I & II)
- Attach a letter of endorsement from a recognised Indigenous organisation or community
- Submit the completed forms and letter through the online portal by 15 September 2025
Why You Should Apply
The UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2026 is more than just a training—it’s a platform for transformational change. Graduates return with strengthened knowledge, tools, and networks to make tangible impact in their communities. If you’re passionate about defending Indigenous rights, this programme could be your next step.
How to Apply
For proposal drafting, refining and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
