The 2026 OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme (IFP) offers a life-changing, fully funded four-week training in Geneva designed for Indigenous rights defenders, community leaders, and activists worldwide. Hosted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), this transformational initiative empowers Indigenous participants through immersive sessions on UN human rights mechanisms, especially those directly related to Indigenous Peoples such as the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP).
This fellowship is an opportunity of a lifetime—a platform to unlock next-level advocacy skills and global networks, all while enduring zero costs for participants. Fellows receive return airfare, a living expenses stipend, and basic health insurance for the duration—no hidden fees, no catches. Training is delivered in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, with simultaneous interpretation, enabling broad participation across regions. As a participant, you’ll engage with UN treaty bodies, Special Procedures, and Human Rights Council sessions, learning how to elevate Indigenous voices at an international level.
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Since 1997, almost 600 Indigenous persons from over 70 communities have graduated from this programme, many returning home to lead local training, influence policy, and catalyse rights-based movements. If you identify as Indigenous, are nominated by your community or organization, and are committed to empowering your people, this is your final call—to Act fast, join free, and Secure your spot while it lasts.
This is your ultimate gateway to join a global cohort of Indigenous leaders, gain transformative UN-level training, and elevate your advocacy to international arenas. With no fees, zero obligations, and a fully funded structure, this is your moment to act.
Expect to take part in high-impact sessions with OHCHR experts, engage in thematic modules on treaties like UNDRIP, ILO Convention 169, and UN processes including EMRIP and HRC mechanisms. You’ll also receive guidance on converting fellowship experiences into community trainings and policy influence at home. Previous alumni are now leading Indigenous rights initiatives across continents, with many leveraging their network and knowledge to effect legal change and social inclusion.
If you have been endorsed by your Indigenous organization, are fluent in one of the programme languages, and are committed to returning with knowledge to uplift your community, then this is your time. Submit a signed, complete application before 15 September 2025, and step into a world-class human rights environment.
Name of Organizer
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
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Requirement/Eligibility
1. Must identify as Indigenous; non-Indigenous applicants—even with ties to Indigenous communities—are ineligible .
2. Must be nominated and endorsed by an Indigenous organization or community with recognized constituency or representation .
3. Must commit to train and share knowledge with other Indigenous persons upon return to your community .
4. Must have working knowledge of one of the programme languages: English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese; training includes simultaneous interpretation .
5. There are no formal education or age restrictions; applications are inclusive of socio-economic barriers typical in Indigenous contexts .
6. Gender, disability, and LGBTQI+ diversity among Indigenous applicants is strongly encouraged to ensure inclusive representation .
7. Must be willing and available to participate in the full four-week programme in Geneva, typically aligned with the EMRIP session in June or July .
8. Must submit a fully completed application (Parts I & II) along with a formal recommendation letter—both must be signed .
9. Applications must be received before the firm deadline and are reviewed for regional and language group balance, with final selection by an OHCHR advisory committee—not all applicants will be contacted; only pre‑selected candidates receive notification .
10. Ability and readiness to use training to advocate within UN mechanisms, promote rights-based frameworks, and build local impact after return are expected qualities.
Duration/Stipend
The Indigenous Fellowship Programme spans approximately four weeks in Geneva (typically June–July), coinciding with the annual Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples session. Selected fellows receive:
- Round-trip economy-class airfare from home country to Geneva
- Living expenses stipend covering modest accommodation, food, and public transport
- Basic health insurance for the duration of the fellowship
- Participation in daily rights workshops, UN briefings, and advocacy labs with experts and Indigenous peers
- Simultaneous interpretation in four languages, ensuring multilingual access
There are no fees to apply or attend; this is a zero-cost, high-value fellowship, providing fully funded access to elite UN capacity-building resources and networks. Alumni often use their experience to develop community training programmes, represent their peoples in regional forums, and shape national-level rights strategies.
Deadline
15 September 2025
Apply Now
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