Are you an indigenous individual passionate about human rights and community advocacy? The 2026 OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme, hosted by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), offers a fully funded opportunity for indigenous activists and community leaders to receive professional training in human rights, international law, and indigenous advocacy.

Held annually in Geneva, this Fully Funded UN Fellowship for Indigenous Leaders is offered in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, empowering selected fellows to actively contribute to the global dialogue on indigenous rights.

About the OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme

Launched in 1997, the Indigenous Fellowship Programme (IFP) was designed to increase the participation of indigenous peoples in UN processes and improve their ability to advocate for their communities at national and international levels. The fellowship aligns with the UN’s broader goals of inclusion, empowerment, and human rights for all.

Each year, selected indigenous fellows receive in-depth training in Geneva and participate in the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), allowing them to engage directly with UN mechanisms and representatives.

OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship 2026 Overview 

Feature	Details
Fellowship Name	OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2026
Host Organization	Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Training Location	Geneva, Switzerland
Duration	4 Weeks (June–July 2026)
Languages Offered	English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
Fellowship Type	Fully Funded
Application Deadline	15 September 2025

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive the following:

• Fully funded return airfare to Geneva
• Monthly living stipend covering accommodation and food
• Basic health insurance for the training period
• Access to UN mechanisms and legal experts
• Participation in the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP)
• Multilingual training with simultaneous interpretation
• Certificate of completion from OHCHR
• Exposure to advocacy tools and international law frameworks

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Must be indigenous (non-indigenous persons are not eligible)
• Should be committed to training other indigenous people upon returning to their communities
• Nominated by an indigenous organization or community
• Proficiency in one of the four training languages: English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese
• No formal education required (inclusive of candidates from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds)
• Applications from women, LGBTQI+, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented regions are highly encouraged
• You have to provide a recommendation letter from an indigenous organization

Programme Structure

• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Training Length: 4 Weeks (usually in June/July)
• Languages: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese
• Component: Participation in the annual Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Format: Multilingual training with simultaneous interpretation
• Focus Areas: UN human rights mechanisms, indigenous rights, international legal frameworks, capacity-building for community advocacy

Application Process

• Step 1: Prepare your documents, including your CV and a recommendation letter from your indigenous community or organization
• Step 2: Fill in the online application form before 15 September 2025
• Step 3: Complete both Part I and Part II of the application form
• Step 4: Upload your recommendation letter directly into the application portal
• Step 5: Wait for the shortlisting and potential interview call (only pre-selected candidates will be contacted)

Selection Process

• Past fellows do the shortlisting process, with 15–20 candidates per language group pre-selected
• Selection reflects regional and gender balance
• OHCHR reviews applicants before final selection
• Final approval by an advisory board comprising OHCHR staff
• Only pre-selected applicants will be contacted

Comparison with Similar Opportunities 

Programme	Host	Duration	Funded	Target Group	Deadline
OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship	UN OHCHR (Geneva)	4 Weeks	Fully Funded	Indigenous individuals globally	15 Sep 2025
DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme	Germany	1–2 Years	Fully Funded	Future leaders in policy	31 July 2025
UN Nippon Fellowship	UN DOALOS	9 Months	Fully Funded	Mid-career professionals in ocean affairs	14 Sep 2025
Chevening Fellowship	UK FCDO	6–12 Months	Fully Funded	Emerging global leaders	Nov 2025
Open Society Human Rights Fellowship	Global	12 Months	Fully Funded	Human rights activists and lawyers	Varies

FAQs About OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship 2026

1. Do I need a formal education to apply?
   No. Candidates from all educational backgrounds are welcome, including those without formal qualifications.
2. Can non-indigenous allies apply?
   No. Only indigenous persons are eligible for the programme.
3. What languages is the training offered in?
   The fellowship is in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, with simultaneous interpretation.
4. Can I choose the training language?
   Yes. You must have a working knowledge of the language you apply under.
5. Will I get accommodation in Geneva?
   Yes, the monthly stipend covers living expenses including accommodation.
6. Is there an age limit to apply for UN Indigenous Fellowship Geneva?
   No. The programme has no age restriction.
7. What is the time commitment?
   The programme is 4 weeks long, and attendance in Geneva is mandatory.
8. Do I need to pay for anything?
   No. The OHCHR is funding the fellowship completely, including travel, insurance, and living costs.
9. Can I apply again if I was not selected last year?
   Yes, OHCHR encourages past applicants to reapply if not previously selected.
10. When will selected candidates get the notification?
    OHCHR will only contact the pre-selected candidates by early 2026.

If you are an indigenous activist, educator, or community leader, this is your chance to get training by the United Nations in human rights and indigenous advocacy. The OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship 2026 will equip you with essential tools to protect your people’s rights and represent their voices on global platforms. APPLY NOW. Please check out the Official Scholarship Page for further details.

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