The 2025 OHCHR Minority Fellowship Programme empowers minority human rights defenders with knowledge, skills, and global networks.
The 2025 Minority Fellowship Programme (MFP), organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), offers an invaluable opportunity for individuals from minority communities to develop their skills in human rights advocacy. Launched in 2005, this comprehensive training program equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to protect and promote the rights of national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities.
Programme Overview
The MFP is recognized as one of OHCHR's most extensive training initiatives. Over the course of the program, fellows gain a deeper understanding of the United Nations system and international human rights frameworks, with a particular focus on minority rights. This experience provides participants with practical insights into the various mechanisms and tools available to address human rights violations.
Additionally, the program enables fellows to expand their professional networks. Participants have the chance to establish connections with other human rights defenders, United Nations representatives, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) based in Geneva, Switzerland. By building these strategic alliances, fellows strengthen their capacity to advocate for minority rights upon returning to their communities.
Benefits of Participation
Selected fellows will receive several forms of support during their stay in Geneva:
- Round-trip economy flight from their country of residence to Geneva.
- Basic health insurance for the duration of the program.
- A stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses, ensuring that fellows can focus fully on their learning and engagement.
The Minority Fellowship Programme is offered in three languages: English, Russian, and Arabic. This ensures that language barriers do not prevent participation in this life-changing opportunity.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To be considered for the MFP, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must belong to a national, ethnic, religious, or linguistic minority group. Those without minority status, even if they work closely with minority organizations, are ineligible.
- Indigenous applicants should apply through the Indigenous Fellowship Programme, which has a separate application process.
- A formal education is not required, as long as the applicant can demonstrate relevant experience in human rights or community work.
- Applicants must have the ability and willingness to share the knowledge gained with their communities or organizations after completing the program.
- A solid working knowledge of the language in which the program is conducted is essential.
- Candidates must be proposed and supported by their community or organization, which should have:
- A well-established membership or constituency within the minority group.
- A focus on minority-related issues.
- A leadership composed of individuals belonging to minority groups.
The program is designed to enable participants to return to their communities as human rights advocates, equipped with knowledge and skills to promote the protection of minority rights.
Selection Process
The selection process is rigorous, with a focus on ensuring gender and regional balance among participants. The general human rights situation in the applicant's country or region, as well as the specific situation of the minority community they belong to, is taken into account.
A pre-selection of 15 to 20 candidates per language group is conducted by former fellows, followed by interviews with pre-selected candidates. The final selection is made by an advisory group consisting of OHCHR staff members. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted.
The Minority Fellowship Programme typically runs for one month in November each year, and includes a one-week preparatory training session held in Strasbourg, France.
Application Process
Applications are available in English, Russian, and Arabic. To be considered, applicants must complete both parts of the application form and submit an official recommendation letter from their sponsoring organization or community.
Ensure your application is fully completed and includes all necessary documents, as incomplete applications will not be considered. It's strongly recommended to submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any technical difficulties.
For additional questions about the application process or the program itself, you can contact OHCHR at: ohchr-fellowship@un.org.
Deadline for Application
Applications should be submitted before the deadline, and candidates are encouraged to apply early to ensure that all requirements are met.
- Application Link: Apply Here
Conclusion
The 2025 OHCHR Minority Fellowship Programme offers a unique opportunity for minority individuals to gain valuable experience in human rights advocacy. With comprehensive training, network-building opportunities, and the chance to collaborate with international organizations, this program helps equip future leaders with the skills needed to champion minority rights in their communities and beyond.
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