UN OHCHR Fellowship 2025 in Switzerland | Fully Funded

The UN OHCHR Fellowship 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland is now accepting applications for its next cohort of professionals committed to human rights. This fully funded United Nations fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for individuals of African descent living outside the African continent to gain immersive experience in the UN human rights system. Through this program, fellows will enhance their skills in advocacy, project design, public speaking, and interaction with international human rights mechanisms.

Launched by the UN Anti-Racial Discrimination Section in 2011, this program supports the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent, under the leadership of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The aim is to develop future leaders and advocates who will continue to promote and protect the rights of people of African descent in their home countries.

Summary of UN OHCHR Fellowship 2025:

Host Country: Switzerland
Location: Geneva
Funded By: UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Fellowship Duration: November 10–28, 2025
Eligible Applicants: Individuals of African descent living outside Africa

Fellowship Benefits:

Fully funded program covering international travel, health insurance, and living expenses
Stipend to cover accommodation and daily costs
Professional training in human rights, including exposure to UN mechanisms such as treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review
Networking opportunities with human rights practitioners and other fellows
Skill-building in project development, presentations, and data submission

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be of African descent and living outside Africa
Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in human rights or related work
Fluent in English
Must be able to attend the full program and obtain a visa for Switzerland
Actively involved in promoting the rights of people of African descent

Required Documents:

Completed application form
Curriculum Vitae
Personal statement (max. 500 words) explaining your motivation and future impact
Official letter from a nominating organization
Copy of passport
Note: Combine all files and rename using “LAST NAME First name – Type of document.” Do not exceed five attachments.

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How to Apply:

Download and complete the application form (available in English, French, or Spanish)
Email all required documents to: ohchr-africandescentfellowship@un.org
Use the subject: “Application for the 2025 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent”
Ensure submission is complete and within the attachment limit