The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has announced the 2026 edition of its prestigious Indigenous Fellowship Programme (IFP), a fully funded capacity-building opportunity for indigenous persons from across the globe. This transformative programme offers intensive human rights training in Geneva, Switzerland, equipping fellows with the knowledge and tools to advocate more effectively for indigenous rights at the international level and within their communities.
Launched in 1997 during the first International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People, the Indigenous Fellowship Programme reflects OHCHR’s commitment to empowering indigenous individuals by enhancing their understanding of the United Nations system, with particular focus on the international human rights mechanisms that relate to indigenous peoples.
About the Programme
The Indigenous Fellowship Programme is designed to strengthen the skills of indigenous human rights defenders and advocates. It provides fellows with a comprehensive overview of international human rights law, the functioning of the UN system, and various mechanisms that protect and promote indigenous rights. Fellows gain firsthand exposure to the workings of UN bodies, including the Human Rights Council and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The training typically takes place over a period of four weeks in Geneva and includes simultaneous interpretation to accommodate all four linguistic components of the programme—English, Spanish, French, and Russian. Importantly, the programme aligns with the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), ensuring that participants can directly engage with this vital UN body and contribute to its discussions.
What the Programme Offers
The OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme is a fully funded opportunity. Selected fellows will receive:
- A return flight ticket to and from Geneva, Switzerland
- Living expenses for the entire duration of the training
- Basic health insurance coverage during the stay in Geneva
This comprehensive support is designed to ensure that all selected fellows, regardless of their financial background, can participate fully and comfortably in the programme.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme is exclusively open to indigenous persons. Non-indigenous applicants, even if actively involved in indigenous issues or communities, will not be considered. The programme seeks to include a diverse pool of candidates and strongly encourages applications from:
- Indigenous women
- Indigenous LGBTQI+ individuals
- Indigenous persons with disabilities
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Indigenous Identity: The applicant must be an indigenous person. This is the core requirement for participation.
- Support from Indigenous Community or Organization: Candidates must be proposed and supported by an indigenous organization and/or community. The supporting organization should ideally have a solid membership base and be genuinely representative of its community.
- Willingness to Train Others: After completing the programme, fellows are expected to share their knowledge and experience by training other indigenous persons within their communities or organizations. This multiplier effect ensures broader impact.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must have a good working knowledge of the language in which their training will be conducted (English, French, Spanish, or Russian). Interpretation is provided during joint sessions, but each language group also receives specific instruction.
- Education Not a Barrier: Formal academic qualifications are not a prerequisite. Recognizing that many indigenous persons face socio-economic challenges that limit access to formal education, the OHCHR emphasizes that lived experience, activism, and community engagement are valued.
Why You Should Apply
Participation in the OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme provides fellows with a life-changing experience. Past participants have gone on to:
- Represent their communities at international human rights forums
- Establish or strengthen indigenous organizations
- Advocate effectively for legislative and policy reforms in their countries
- Educate others in their communities on indigenous rights
The programme not only enhances individual capacity but also fosters a growing global network of indigenous rights defenders, many of whom remain connected and collaborate long after their fellowship ends.
Training Structure and Components
During the four-week training period in Geneva, fellows engage in:
- Workshops on the United Nations human rights system and international standards relating to indigenous peoples
- Interactive sessions with experts from OHCHR and other UN bodies
- Practical exercises in advocacy, report writing, and communication
- Participation in EMRIP sessions, offering fellows the opportunity to observe and contribute to real-time discussions on indigenous issues
- Networking events with other human rights defenders, NGOs, and UN officials
The training not only provides theoretical knowledge but also practical tools and direct engagement with the mechanisms that can influence change.
Focus on Diversity and Inclusion
OHCHR is committed to ensuring equitable representation of all indigenous peoples. Special efforts are made to reach underrepresented groups, including indigenous women and LGBTQI+ persons, recognizing the intersectional challenges they often face. The programme also accommodates indigenous persons with disabilities and provides the necessary support for their full participation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are required to complete the official application process, which includes:
- A completed application form
- A letter of recommendation or nomination from an indigenous organization or community
- Supporting documents that verify indigenous identity and demonstrate active engagement in community-based or national-level advocacy work
All applications are carefully reviewed based on merit, potential for impact, and regional and gender balance considerations.
Important Notes for Applicants
- The selection process is highly competitive.
- Applications submitted without a valid letter of support will not be considered.
- It is advisable to begin preparing your application early and to communicate promptly with your sponsoring organization.
- Selected candidates will be notified well in advance and receive detailed logistical and preparatory information.
Deadline for Application
The application deadline for the 2026 Indigenous Fellowship Programme is:
September 15, 2025
All interested applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their complete applications before the deadline to ensure consideration.
Contact Information
For more information or assistance with the application process, you may contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +234 909 804 4444
Applicants should also consult the official OHCHR website for updates, guidelines, and access to the application portal.
Conclusion
The United Nations OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2026 offers an invaluable opportunity for indigenous individuals who are passionate about human rights and committed to making a difference in their communities. Through this immersive training experience in Geneva, fellows gain critical insights into the global human rights framework and build enduring connections with fellow advocates and institutional partners.
If you are an indigenous person who seeks to strengthen your advocacy skills and deepen your understanding of international mechanisms for indigenous rights, this programme is for you. Join a growing network of change-makers and contribute meaningfully to the global indigenous movement.
Deadline: September 15, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
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