The OHCHR Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent 2025 is a prestigious human rights training initiative launched by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). It is specifically designed to empower individuals of African descent from the diaspora by deepening their knowledge of international human rights law and enhancing their advocacy efforts against racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.
This annual fellowship is conducted in Geneva, Switzerland, at the United Nations headquarters. It provides participants with direct exposure to UN human rights mechanisms, processes, and discussions. Through a mix of workshops, lectures, networking opportunities, and site visits, fellows are equipped with the tools needed to bring about impactful change in their communities and organizations.
Since its launch in 2011, the programme has trained over 150 individuals from more than 45 countries. These fellows have gone on to become influential advocates, policy experts, and leaders in the field of racial justice. The program is part of the broader UN effort to implement the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024), which emphasizes recognition, justice, and development.
Participants will explore areas such as anti-discrimination law, minority rights protection, civil society engagement, community organizing, international diplomacy, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), all within the human rights framework.
Name of Organizer
Requirement/Eligibility
Applicants to the OHCHR Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent must meet the following criteria:
1. Heritage and Identity
2. The applicant must self-identify as a person of African descent.
3. They must belong to the African diaspora, meaning individuals of African origin living outside the African continent.
4. Professional Experience
5. applicants must have at least four years of experience in fields related to the human rights of people of African descent.
This may include advocacy, civil society work, academic research, grassroots organizing, journalism, law, or public policy.
6. Organizational Affiliation
7. A recommendation or certification letter must be submitted from an organization or community group that works on issues affecting people of African descent or other minority rights.
8. Language Proficiency
Fluency in English, French, or Spanish is essential, as the programme is delivered in these languages.
9. Applicants must be able to fully participate in discussions, write assignments, and engage with United Nations documents and presentations.
10. Availability
Applicants must be available for the full duration of the programme, including pre-programme online learning.
11. Fellows must participate in preparatory activities in the two weeks prior to the in-person Geneva residency.
12. Documentation
All applications must include a curriculum vitae, personal statement, passport copy, and supporting letters, submitted in one single email.
Required documents:
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Personal statement (max 500 words)
3. Official letter certifying African descent status from a community or organization
4. Copy of passport
Duration/Stipend
The fellowship is conducted annually over a three-week period, during which fellows engage intensively with the UN human rights system in Geneva.
Duration
Fellowship dates: 11 November – 29 November 2025 (in-person in Geneva, Switzerland)
Pre-programme online learning: Starts late October 2025, requiring 4–5 hours of weekly participation
Financial Benefits
The OHCHR provides full financial support to all selected fellows, including:
1. Travel: Return economy-class airfare from the fellow’s country of residence to Geneva
2. Accommodation: Fully covered, modest housing arrangements for the entire duration of the programme
3. Living stipend: A daily allowance to cover meals, local transport, and incidental expenses during the fellowship
4. Health insurance: Basic health insurance provided during the residency period
5. Learning materials and access: All course materials, access to UN buildings, and mentorship sessions are covered
6. This comprehensive support ensures that financial barriers do not prevent deserving candidates from accessing the opportunity.
Stories from Past Fellows
Voices of the Decade showcases 11 compelling stories from fellows of African descent, highlighting their impactful work in advancing human rights for people of African descent worldwide. This collection serves as both a call to action and a source of inspiration, encouraging collective efforts toward recognition, justice, and development. Explore their powerful testimonies here.
Hear from Former Participants
Discover insights and reflections from past participants of the Fellowship Programme for people of African descent.
Deadline
31 May 2025
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