UN Human Rights 2025 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent

The Fellowship programme for people of African descent is an intensive human rights training for people of African descent, from the diaspora, who are engaged in promoting the rights of people of African descent.

It takes place once a year at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva.

The aim is to strengthen participants’ skills to contribute to the promotion and protection of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of people of African descent in their respective countries. The participants are equipped with the tools necessary to: ensure the development of legislation, policies and programmes aligns with international human rights standards; strengthen collaboration of civil society with governments; and undertake local awareness-raising and advocacy activities.

• Table of Content
• About United Nations Human Rights (UN Human Rights)
• Fellowship Programme
• Aim and Benefits of Fellowship Programme
• Requirements for Fellowship Programme Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Fellowship Programme
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About United Nations Human Rights (UN Human Rights)

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is the leading UN entity on human rights. We represent the world's commitment to the promotion and protection of the full range of human rights and freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Fellowship Programme

Aim and Benefits of Fellowship Programme

• Each fellow is entitled to a return ticket (economy class) from the country of residence to Geneva; basic health insurance; and a stipend to cover modest accommodation and other living expenses for the duration of the Programme.

Requirements for Fellowship Programme Qualification

The candidate must be an individual of African descent living in the Diaspora.

• The candidate must have a minimum of 4 years of work experience related to the rights of People of African Descent.
• The candidate should submit an official letter from an organization working on issues related to people of African descent or minority rights – on official letterhead – certifying the candidate’s role within the organization.
• The candidates must be available to attend the full duration of the programme. The selected fellows will be expected to participate in different activities and to strictly follow the programme.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Fellowship Programme

Fellowship Dates

• The Fellowship will be held from 10 to 28 November 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
• In addition, fellows are expected to dedicate a few hours to pre-online courses and preparatory assignments in the preceding two weeks.  

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Applicants are requested to submit the following documents in one single e-mail to [email protected]:

• A Curriculum Vitae
• A completed, signed and scanned Application Form in one single document.
• A personal statement (maximum 500 words) in which the candidate will explain their motivation for applying, and how they will use the knowledge gained from the fellowship to promote the interests and rights of people of African descent.
• An official letter from an organisation working on issues related to people of African descent or minority rights – on official letterhead – certifying the candidate’s role within the organization
• A copy of the applicant’s passport.
• Please note that submissions with more than five attachments will not be accepted.

For more details, visit UN Human Rights Fellowship webpage