Applications are now open for the 2026 (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) UN OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP). By the end of this month-long program in Geneva, Switzerland, fellows will have gained a general understanding of the United Nations system, international human rights instruments, and mechanisms, with a particular focus on minority rights. The Fellowship is offered in three languages (English, Russian, and Arabic) and serves as a crucial opportunity to build strategic partnerships with global activists, the UN, and Geneva-based NGOs. The program is fully funded, covering travel, insurance, and living expenses. The strict application deadline is January 31, 2026, at 23:59 (Geneva time).
UN OHCHR Minorities Fellowship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Switzerland (Geneva, with one week in Strasbourg, France) |
| Study Abroad | N/A (Professional/Activist Training) |
| Category | Professional Fellowship | Human Rights Training | Capacity Building |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Must belong to a minority group) |
| Reward | Fully Funded | Flights | Health Insurance | Stipend |
| Key Criteria | Belonging to a national, ethnic, religious, or linguistic minority group, Proposed by an organization, Willingness to train others |
| Application Deadline | January 31, 2026 (23:59 Geneva time) |
2026 UN OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Details
The UN OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP) is rooted in the mandate to protect and promote the rights of minority groups worldwide. The core purpose of the MFP is to empower human rights defenders by equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively use international mechanisms to advocate for their communities.
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The program is critical for fostering global collaboration. Fellows engage in cultural exchange and academic collaboration while broadening their networks with international activists and United Nations personnel. The training ensures that participants understand the specific instruments relevant to minority rights, enabling them to bring about positive change and find solutions to the shared challenges of discrimination and marginalization upon their return home. The program typically runs for a month in November, beginning with a preparatory component in Strasbourg, France.
Benefits and Specific Fellowship Award Tiers
The QECS is a fully funded scholarship, offering comprehensive financial and logistical support across three essential tiers.
Tier 1: Full Financial Coverage & Stipend (Up to Full Travel and Living Costs)
This tier ensures that the participant can attend and focus entirely on the month-long program without financial burden.
- Value: A stipend provided to cover modest accommodation and living expenses for the duration of the programme (approximately one month).
- Criteria: Provided to all successful fellows to ensure participation is accessible regardless of financial background.
Tier 2: Travel and Health Security Support
This category covers the essential logistical costs required for international travel and security during the program.
- A return economy class ticket from the fellow’s country of residence to Geneva, Switzerland.
- Basic health insurance coverage for the duration of the one-month program.
Tier 3: Networking and Institutional Knowledge Transfer
These benefits focus on the knowledge and connections gained, which are critical for the activist’s long-term effectiveness.
- General understanding of the United Nations system and its structure.
- Detailed knowledge of international human rights instruments and mechanisms, with a specific focus on minority rights.
- Opportunity to build strategic partnerships with activists, the UN, and relevant Geneva-based NGOs.
- Mandate and ability to train others in their community or organization upon returning.
Eligibility Requirements for UN OHCHR Minorities Fellowship 2026
The eligibility criteria are highly specific and designed to target individuals directly representing minority communities.
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must belong to a national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority group. Formal education is not a prerequisite, provided the applicant can demonstrate relevant experience in human rights defense.
- Study Status: Applicants must have a good working knowledge of the language in which the program is conducted (English, Russian, or Arabic).
- Visa Status: The candidate must be proposed and supported by their organization or community. The sponsoring organization should ideally represent minority issues and have a firm constituency within the minority group.
- Program Admission: Must have the ability, willingness, and opportunity to train others in their community or organization upon returning home. Indigenous applicants should apply to the separate Indigenous Fellowship Programme.
How to Apply for UN OHCHR Minorities Fellowship 2026 (Step by Step)
The application requires two main parts of a form and an official recommendation letter.
- Download Application Form: Obtain the application forms, which are available in English, Russian, and Arabic.
- Complete All Parts: Fully complete both Parts I and II of the application form. Only fully completed applications will be considered.
- Secure Recommendation Letter: Obtain an official recommendation letter from the nominating organization or community that supports your application.
- Submit Online: Upload the completed application (Parts I & II) and the official recommendation letter directly onto the online form before the deadline.
Application Deadline: 31 January 2026, at 23:59 (Geneva time)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the specific focus of the UN OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Programme?
The program focuses on providing comprehensive training in the United Nations system, international human rights instruments, and mechanisms, specifically concerning minority rights.
Who is eligible to apply for this Fellowship?
Applicants must exclusively belong to a national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority group. Those not belonging to a minority group will not be considered.
What is the duration and location of the Fellowship?
The program usually takes place for one month in November each year, primarily in Geneva, Switzerland, with a preparatory training component in Strasbourg, France for one week.
Is formal education a mandatory requirement for applicants?
No, formal education is not a prerequisite, provided the applicant can demonstrate relevant experience in working for minority rights.
In which languages is the Fellowship offered?
The Minorities Fellowship Programme is offered in three languages: English, Russian, and Arabic.
What financial benefits are covered by the Fellowship?
The program is fully funded, covering a return economy class ticket, basic health insurance, and a stipend for modest accommodation and living expenses.
What is the primary post-program commitment expected of a Fellow?
Fellows must have the ability, willingness, and opportunity to train others in their community or organization upon returning from the program.
Is the selection process purely based on the application form?
No, the selection process involves a pre-selection stage by previous fellows, followed by interviews for pre-selected candidates.
What key document must accompany the fully completed application form?
The application must be accompanied by an official recommendation letter from the nominating organization or community, uploaded directly onto the online form.
Should Indigenous applicants apply for this program?
No, Indigenous applicants are advised to apply to the Indigenous Fellowship Programme, which has a separate application process and is specifically designed for their needs.
