The Indigenous Fellowship Programme was introduced in 1997 by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) during the inaugural International Decade of the World's Indigenous People. This initiative aims to provide indigenous individuals with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the UN system and mechanisms focused on human rights in general, with a specific emphasis on indigenous matters. By receiving this training, participants are better prepared to support their communities and organizations in safeguarding and advocating for their rights. This training is offered in five languages: English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Portuguese.

When does it take place?
Fellows from all five language components of the programme undergo training together with real-time interpretation over a span of 4 weeks in Geneva. The training usually aligns with the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (usually held in June/July each year). This allows fellows to participate more actively in this Mechanism.

What does the Programme include?
Selected candidates receive a round-trip flight ticket, covering living expenses, and are provided basic health insurance for the training's duration.

Who is eligible to apply?
- Applicants must be of indigenous descent (individuals who are not indigenous will not be considered, even if they have strong connections to indigenous communities or organizations).
- Age is not a barrier to participating in the programme.
- Socio-economic constraints faced by many indigenous peoples that limit access to formal education should not prevent participation in the IFP.
- Candidates should commit to training other indigenous individuals upon their return to their respective communities/organizations.
- The candidate's indigenous organization and/or community should propose and support their candidacy. It is preferable for the supporting organization to have substantial membership and representation.
- A proficient working knowledge of the language in which the programme is conducted is expected from the candidate.

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