UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026 in Switzerland (Fully Funded)

UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026 for African descent Students

Applications are now open for the UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026 in Switzerland. Individuals of African descent are encouraged to apply for this fully funded fellowship opportunity. The program offers participants valuable exposure to the United Nations human rights system while providing professional training in areas such as information submission, public speaking, and project proposal development.

Hosted in Switzerland, the fellowship also gives participants the opportunity to experience an international learning environment while strengthening their knowledge and skills in human rights advocacy and global engagement.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Fellowship Program offers a valuable opportunity for individuals of African descent to strengthen their human rights advocacy skills while gaining deeper knowledge of the UN human rights system. Through practical training and mentorship, fellows develop important abilities such as public speaking, project proposal writing, and effective communication in international human rights work.

This fully funded fellowship, supported under the International Decade for People of African Descent, provides participants with professional development, global networking opportunities, and hands-on experience in promoting and protecting civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Hosted annually in Geneva by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the program brings together changemakers and advocates from around the world who are actively working to advance the rights of people of African descent.

UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026 Details

Offered by:	UN OHCHR
Fellowship coverage:	Fully Funded
Duration:	9-27 Nov 2026
Eligible nationality:	African descent
Award country:	Switzerland
Last date:	15 May 2026

Financial Benefits

The UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026 in Switzerland for international students offers:

• This fully supported scholarship provides financial assistance.
• Covers a return ticket in economy class and basic health insurance.
• A stipend is given for housing and living costs.
• Expands knowledge of legal frameworks and concerns related to racism and intolerance.
• Chance to hone and improve abilities
• Direct experience with Human Rights Mechanisms
• Exposure to diverse cultures is provided by a diverse group of participants.
• Opportunity for career advancement
• Opportunities for international networking to further your career

Objectives

Program participants in the fellowship program have the chance to:

• Acquire and enhance their knowledge of the UN human rights system, international human rights law, the global framework to fight racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and associated intolerance, as well as related concerns that affect persons of African origin;
• Learn about the OHCHR and international human rights processes firsthand.
• Develop your ability to create project proposals and provide presentations, and interact with the OHCHR and international human rights mechanisms.
• Enhancing participants’ abilities to support and defend the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of individuals of African heritage in their own countries is the goal.
• The participants have the resources they need to make sure that laws, policies, and programs are developed in accordance with International human rights standards;
• Improve civil society-government cooperation; and
• Carry out advocacy and awareness-raising initiatives locally.

Documents Required

• Online Application Form
• A current passport
• Personal Statement
• Updated Curriculum vitae (CV) or Resume in English

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026 in Switzerland for international students, you must follow the following eligibility criteria:

• The candidate must be living outside of Africa and be of African heritage.
• Four years or more of job experience pertaining to the rights of individuals of African heritage.
• Knowledgeable about the English language.
• The opportunity to stay for the full program.
• The capacity to secure a visa for entry into Switzerland and any other pertinent nations.
• Participation in the defense and advancement of African Americans’ human rights.

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026 in Switzerland is 15th May 2026.

How to Apply for UN OHCHR Fellowship Program?

1. Complete the form in Spanish, French, or English.
2. Get the necessary paperwork ready.
3. File Renaming: Format: Last Name First name: Document type. (For instance, DOE John’s CV.pdf)
4. To ohchr-africandescentfellowship@un.org, send all five documents. “Application for the 2026 Fellowship Program for People of African Descent” is the subject line.
5. Send no more than five attachments before the official deadline.
6. Await the UN OHCHR Fellowship program organizers’ confirmation of receipt.