The OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP) 2026 offers a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for minority rights defenders from around the world to gain hands-on training in international human rights law, UN mechanisms, and minority rights advocacy. Taking place each year in Geneva, Switzerland 🇨🇭, the programme empowers participants with knowledge, skills, and global networks that strengthen their work within their own communities. The fellowship includes an intensive one-week preparatory training in Strasbourg, France 🇫🇷, followed by a full programme in Geneva.
🌐 The MFP is delivered in three languages: English, Russian, and Arabic, ensuring accessibility and linguistic inclusion for minority advocates worldwide.
⭐ What You Will Learn
- 🏛️ The structure and functioning of the United Nations system
- 📜 International human rights laws and instruments
- 🛡️ Global minority rights frameworks
- 🌍 UN human rights mechanisms and monitoring bodies
- 🤝 Networking with UN staff, NGOs, and minority rights advocates
💰 What the Fellowship Covers (Fully Funded Benefits)
- ✈️ Round-trip economy airfare to Geneva
- 🏨 Basic health insurance during the fellowship
- 💵 Monthly stipend covering modest living and accommodation expenses
- 🌍 Full participation in Strasbourg + Geneva sessions
This makes the programme fully funded, removing all financial barriers for participants.
👥 Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- ✔️ Belong to a national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority group
- ✔️ Demonstrate active engagement in minority rights work
- ✔️ Be able to train and empower their community after returning
- ✔️ Be proficient in the language of the programme they apply for (English, Russian, or Arabic)
- ✔️ Be nominated by their minority community or organization, ideally one that:
- Represents community interests
- Has strong membership within the minority
- Works directly on minority-related issues
- Is composed largely of minority members
Formal education is not required.
🧭 Selection Process
Selection considers regional representation, gender balance, human rights context, and the situation of the applicant’s community.
- 🔍 Pre-selection by former fellows (15–20 per language group)
- 🎤 Interviews with shortlisted candidates
- 🏆 Final selection by an OHCHR advisory group
- ⚠️ Only selected candidates are contacted
🗓️ Programme Timeline
- 📅 Fellowship takes place November 2026 (approx.)
- 🇫🇷 One-week preparatory training in Strasbourg
- 🇨🇭 Main programme in Geneva
- ⏳ Total duration: Around one month
📝 How to Apply
Applicants must complete both Part I and Part II of the online application (available in English, Russian, and Arabic).
📌 Required documents:
- 📨 Completed application forms (Part I & II)
- 🖋️ Official nomination letter from the sponsoring organization/community
- 📎 The nomination letter must be uploaded directly through the online form
Only fully completed applications will be considered.
🕒 Application Deadline:
31 January 2026 (23:59 Geneva time)
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
📩 Inquiries: ohchr-fellowship@un.org
🔗 Application Link
⚠️ Important Notice
1️⃣ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the project coordinator.
2️⃣ Responsibility for Content
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy, details, and updates of the opportunity content.
3️⃣ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Coordinating organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication — including dates, activity details, or application deadlines — or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
4️⃣ Disclaimer of Liability
YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any such changes, updates, or cancellations made by the project coordinators.
💡 Final Note:
All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.
