UN OHCHR Fellowship 2025 in Switzerland (Fully Funded)

About

The UN OHCHR Fellowship 2025 for People of African Descent, hosted by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, is a fully funded program designed to empower human rights advocates. Running from November 10 to November 28, 2025, this prestigious fellowship equips participants with in-depth knowledge of the UN human rights system, focusing on issues of racism and racial discrimination. Through mentorship, workshops, and hands-on experience, fellows develop skills in advocacy, project proposal writing, and public speaking, fostering a global network of changemakers dedicated to promoting the rights of people of African descent.

Scholarship Details

• Organization: United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
• Program Type: Fellowship
• Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded
• Eligible Nationalities: Individuals of African descent (residing outside Africa)
• Host Country: Switzerland
• Location: Geneva
• Duration: 3 weeks (November 10–28, 2025)
• Application Deadline: July 15, 2025

Financial Benefits

The UN OHCHR Fellowship provides comprehensive support, including:

• Travel Costs: Economy-class round-trip airfare from the fellow’s country of residence to Geneva.
• Accommodation and Living Expenses: Monthly stipend to cover housing, food, and other essentials.
• Health Insurance: Basic coverage for the fellowship duration.
• Program Costs: Full funding for workshops, training materials, and related activities.
• Networking Opportunities: Access to UN human rights experts and a global cohort of advocates.

Study Programs

The fellowship focuses on human rights advocacy and does not lead to a degree. Key components include:

• Training on UN human rights mechanisms and legal frameworks addressing racism and racial discrimination.
• Workshops on project proposal writing, public speaking, and advocacy strategies.
• Exposure to the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024) initiatives.
• Collaborative projects to promote and protect the rights of people of African descent.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be of African descent and reside outside Africa.
• Have at least 4 years of work experience related to the promotion and protection of human rights for people of African descent.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English (written and spoken; French or Spanish proficiency is a plus).
• Be available to participate in the full 3-week program (November 10–28, 2025).
• Be able to obtain a visa for Switzerland and any transit countries.
• Be actively involved in human rights advocacy, preferably with a nominating organization or community group.

Deadline

Applications must be submitted by July 15, 2025.

How to Apply

To apply for the UN OHCHR Fellowship 2025, follow these steps:

1. Download the application form from the OHCHR website (available in English, French, or Spanish).
2. Complete the form, ensuring all sections are filled accurately.
3. Prepare the following documents:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing relevant experience.
   • Personal Statement (maximum 500 words, outlining motivation and qualifications).
   • Official letter from a nominating organization or community (on letterhead, supporting your candidacy).
   • Copy of a valid passport.
   • Completed application form.
4. Rename files in the format: LASTNAME_Firstname_Typeofdocument (e.g., DOE_John_CV.pdf).
5. Email all five documents as attachments to ohchr-africandescentfellowship@un.org (mailto:ohchr-africandescentfellowship@un.org) with the subject line: “Application for the 2025 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent.”
6. Ensure submission before the deadline (maximum five attachments).
7. Await confirmation of receipt from OHCHR; selected candidates will be notified by September 2025.