The 2026 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent, hosted by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), is now open for applications. This prestigious human rights training initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity of people of African descent working to promote equality, justice, and the protection of human rights globally. With a strong focus on combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance, the programme plays an important role in advancing the goals of the United Nations and the International Decade for People of African Descent. About the OHCHR Fellowship Programme The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent is an annual training initiative held in Geneva, Switzerland. It is designed for individuals of African descent who are actively engaged in human rights advocacy, policy development, or community leadership. The programme is part of broader UN efforts to promote racial justice and strengthen the implementation of international human rights frameworks. Participants gain direct exposure to UN human rights mechanisms and receive structured training on advocacy, legal frameworks, and project development. Purpose and Objectives of the Fellowship The fellowship aims to empower participants with practical and theoretical knowledge to strengthen human rights work in their home countries and communities. Key objectives include: Strengthening understanding of international human rights law Building knowledge of UN mechanisms addressing racism and discrimination Enhancing advocacy and policy development skills Supporting community-based human rights initiatives Encouraging collaboration between civil society and governments The programme also contributes to the broader goals of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034), a global UN initiative aimed at advancing recognition, justice, and development. Eligibility Criteria for 2026 To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements: 1. Identity and Background Applicants must be individuals of African descent living in the diaspora. 2. Professional Experience Candidates must have at least four years of relevant experience working on issues related to the rights of people of African descent or minority rights. 3. Institutional Support Applicants must submit an official letter from a recognized organization working on human rights, minority rights, or related advocacy. This letter must confirm the applicant’s role and engagement. 4. Availability Selected fellows must be fully available for the entire duration of the programme and actively participate in all training activities. Programme Structure and Duration The 2026 fellowship will take place from 9 to 27 November 2026 at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland. The programme is delivered in English and Spanish and includes both in-person and preparatory online components. Participants are expected to complete pre-course assignments before arriving in Geneva. The training combines lectures, workshops, discussions with UN experts, and practical exercises focused on human rights advocacy. Application Requirements Applicants must submit a complete application package via email. All documents must be included in a single submission and properly named. Required documents include: A completed application form A curriculum vitae (CV) A personal statement (maximum 500 words) An official nomination or support letter from a relevant organization A copy of a valid passport The personal statement should explain the applicant’s motivation for joining the programme and how they intend to apply the knowledge gained to promote human rights in their communities. Incomplete applications or submissions with excessive attachments will not be accepted. How the Selection Process Works The selection process is competitive and aims to ensure balanced representation across regions and genders. Applications are assessed based on: Relevance of professional experience Commitment to human rights work Impact of previous advocacy efforts Regional and gender balance considerations The human rights context in the applicant’s country Due to high application volumes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Final results are published on the official OHCHR fellowship webpage. Benefits of the Fellowship Selected participants receive full financial support for the duration of the programme. This includes: Round-trip economy airfare to Geneva Basic health insurance coverage A stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses This support ensures that participants from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can fully engage in the training without financial barriers. Why the Fellowship Matters The programme is part of a long-term global effort to address systemic racism and strengthen human rights protections for people of African descent. Since its inception in 2011, the fellowship has supported participants from over 50 countries, building a growing international network of human rights advocates. Through training at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, fellows return to their countries equipped with stronger advocacy skills, deeper legal understanding, and expanded professional networks. The initiative also aligns with the United Nations’ broader commitment to equality, inclusion, and justice for all. Application Deadline The final deadline for applications is: 15 May 2026 Applicants are encouraged to prepare documents early and ensure that all requirements are fully met before submission. Apply Now The 2026 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent represents a unique opportunity for emerging and established human rights advocates to deepen their expertise and contribute to global justice efforts. Hosted by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the programme provides not only advanced training in human rights law and advocacy but also a platform for international collaboration and long-term impact. For eligible candidates, this fellowship offers a powerful opportunity to strengthen leadership capacity, influence policy, and advance the rights and dignity of people of African descent worldwide. APPLY NOW For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.