YBB - Are you passionate about human rights and committed to creating meaningful social impact? If so, the UN OHCHR Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland offers an outstanding opportunity to engage directly with the United Nations human rights system and strengthen your professional skills in advocacy, public speaking, and policy engagement.
Applications are now open for the Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent, organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. This fully funded fellowship takes place in Geneva, one of the world’s most important centers for international diplomacy and human rights work. According to the official OHCHR page, the 2026 call is currently open and the deadline is 15 May 2026.
Launched in 2011, this fellowship supports the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent and focuses on strengthening the rights and well-being of people of African descent worldwide.
Moreover, the program is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge of international human rights mechanisms and the tools needed to protect and promote civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
As a result, fellows gain first-hand exposure to UN processes and build long-term networks with human rights practitioners from around the world.
Organization: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Duration: 3 Weeks
Program Dates: 9 – 27 November 2026
Pre-Program Requirement: 2 weeks online preparation
Selected fellows will receive full financial support throughout the program.
Benefits include:
Furthermore, the fellowship specifically focuses on combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
In addition, applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing the rights of people of African descent in their communities.
Candidates must apply through the official OHCHR application process.
Follow these steps carefully:
Required documents:
Additionally, the email subject line must state:
Application for the 2026 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent
Please note that applications with more than five attachments may not be accepted.
The application deadline is 15 May 2026. This deadline is officially confirmed by OHCHR.
Official information & apply now:
Apply for the UN OHCHR Fellowship 2026
The UN OHCHR Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland is an exceptional fully funded opportunity for professionals of African descent working in the human rights field. With direct access to UN mechanisms, financial support, and world-class training in Geneva, this fellowship can significantly strengthen both your expertise and global impact. Therefore, if you meet the eligibility criteria, this is a valuable opportunity to advance your career in international human rights advocacy.