The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has opened applications for the Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2027, a fully funded international training programme designed to strengthen the knowledge and leadership capacity of Indigenous peoples worldwide.
Held in Geneva, Switzerland, the fellowship provides participants with in-depth training on the United Nations human rights system, Indigenous peoples’ rights, and international human rights mechanisms. The programme equips fellows with practical knowledge they can use to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous communities upon returning home.
About the OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme
Launched in 1997, the OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme was established during the first International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People.
Its primary objective is to help Indigenous participants understand how the United Nations human rights system operates, particularly the mechanisms that address Indigenous peoples’ rights. Fellows are expected to use the knowledge gained to strengthen advocacy efforts and support their communities and organizations.
The programme is offered in four languages:
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Portuguese
Fellowship Location
The programme takes place in:
- Geneva, Switzerland
Participants from all language groups receive training together with simultaneous interpretation throughout the programme.
Programme Duration
The fellowship consists of a four-week intensive training programme.
Training is generally scheduled to coincide with the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), allowing fellows to observe and participate in discussions relating to Indigenous rights.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Return international airfare
- Living expenses during the programme
- Basic health insurance for the entire training period
- Four weeks of specialized human rights training
- Opportunity to participate in United Nations Indigenous rights mechanisms
- International networking with Indigenous leaders from around the world
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an Indigenous person (non-Indigenous applicants are not eligible)
- Have the support of an Indigenous organization and/or community
- Be nominated by their Indigenous organization or community
- Have a good working knowledge of the language in which they wish to undertake the programme
- Be willing to train and share knowledge with other Indigenous persons after returning to their communities
The programme strongly encourages applications from:
- Indigenous women
- Indigenous LGBTQI+ persons
- Indigenous persons with disabilities
OHCHR notes that:
- There is no age restriction.
- Formal educational qualifications are not required, recognizing that many Indigenous peoples face barriers to accessing formal education.
Nomination Requirement
Each applicant must submit an official recommendation letter from the Indigenous organization or community supporting their application.
The sponsoring organization should ideally:
- Represent an Indigenous constituency or membership
- Have a recognized role within the community
- Support the applicant’s participation
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed through a multi-stage selection process.
The selection seeks to ensure:
- Gender balance
- Regional representation
- Diversity of Indigenous communities
- Consideration of the human rights situation in applicants’ countries and regions
The process includes:
- Pre-selection by former Indigenous Fellows
- Interviews for shortlisted candidates
- Final review by an advisory group composed of OHCHR staff
Due to the high number of applications, only pre-selected candidates are contacted.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by:
6 September 2026 (23:59 Geneva Time)
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must complete:
- Part I of the online application form
- Part II of the online application form
- Official recommendation letter from their Indigenous organization or community
The recommendation letter must be uploaded directly through the online application system.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Complete the online application form.
- Fill in all required sections.
- Upload the recommendation letter from their Indigenous organization or community.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date.
Why Apply?
The OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme offers a unique opportunity for Indigenous leaders to deepen their understanding of international human rights, strengthen advocacy skills, and engage directly with United Nations mechanisms. Through fully funded training and international networking, fellows return to their communities better equipped to advance Indigenous rights and promote meaningful change.
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