Applications are now open for the OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2027, a fully funded training initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of indigenous leaders to engage with the United Nations human rights system.

Organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the four-week fellowship will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, providing participants with practical knowledge and advocacy skills to promote and protect the rights of indigenous peoples.

Since its establishment in 1997, the programme has empowered indigenous representatives from around the world by enhancing their understanding of international human rights mechanisms and supporting them in advancing the rights of their communities.

Fellowship Objectives

The programme aims to equip indigenous participants with the knowledge and skills needed to:

• Understand United Nations human rights mechanisms and processes.
• Promote and protect the rights of indigenous peoples.
• Strengthen community leadership and advocacy.
• Enhance the capacity of indigenous organizations.
• Build international networks with fellow indigenous leaders and human rights experts.

Participants will also gain insights into global indigenous rights movements and learn how international human rights tools can support local advocacy efforts.

Programme Details

• Duration: Four weeks
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Programme Format: In-person training
• Training Languages: English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese

The fellowship is typically organized alongside the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), allowing fellows to observe UN discussions, engage with international experts, and participate in global dialogues on indigenous rights.

Priority Applicants

The programme particularly encourages applications from:

• Indigenous women.
• Indigenous LGBTQI+ individuals.
• Indigenous persons with disabilities.

This approach reflects OHCHR's commitment to ensuring inclusive participation and diverse representation within indigenous rights advocacy.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Indigenous identity and community representation.
• Active involvement in community or human rights initiatives.
• Commitment to indigenous rights advocacy.
• Potential to transfer knowledge and strengthen local capacity after the fellowship.

The OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme offers indigenous leaders a unique opportunity to strengthen their advocacy skills, gain firsthand experience with United Nations human rights mechanisms, and join a global network working to advance the rights, inclusion, and well-being of indigenous peoples worldwide.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline 6 September 2026 and ensure all required supporting documents are included.