Deadline: 8-Dec-24

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has launched the Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP) for human rights and minority rights defenders belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities.

The Programme further serves as an opportunity for human rights activists working towards the protection and promotion of minority rights to expand their partners’ base. They do this by building a strategic dialogue with fellow activists from across the globe, the United Nations, and relevant Geneva-based NGOs, amongst other partners.

The MFP offers training and educational opportunities for members of minorities to strengthen their capacities as human rights defenders. Fellows learn about international human rights standards, instruments, mechanisms, and the UN system’s work in promoting and protecting human rights, with a special focus on minority rights.

Program Information

• The Programme is offered in three linguistic components: English, Russian, and Arabic.
• The MFP takes place in Geneva, Switzerland. Fellows are entitled to:
  • a return ticket (economy class) from the country of residence to Geneva;
  • basic health insurance for the duration of the Programme; and
  • a stipend to cover modest accommodation and other living expenses for the duration of the Programme.

 Eligibility Criteria

• The candidate must belong to a national, ethnic, religious or linguistic minority group. A person not belonging to a minority group and former fellows will not be considered even if they work for minority organizations. The concept of minority is multifaceted and might involve other factors such as:
  • Individual self-identification. The person must recognize themself as belonging to a national, ethnic, religious, or linguistic minority group.
  • Recognition by its organization or community as a member of the minority group.
• The candidate should be proposed—and his/her/their candidacy supported—by his/her/their community and/or organization. It is desirable that the sponsoring organization:
  • undertakes work on minority issues; and
  • is composed of persons belonging to minorities.
• The candidate must have a good working knowledge of one of the languages of the MFP (English, Russian or Arabic).
• The candidate should have the ability, willingness, and possibility to train other persons belonging to minorities upon return to their respective community or organizations and should agree to do so.
• The candidate should not be a father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister or spouse of a UN staff member.
• There is no age limit to apply to the MFP, but only candidates over 18 years will be considered.

For more information, visit OHCHR.