UN Human Rights Fellowship for People of African Descent (Switzerland) 2022

The Human Rights Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent provides the participants with an intensive learning opportunity to deepen their understanding of the United Nations human rights system, instruments and mechanisms, with a focus on issues of particular relevance to people of African descent. The Fellowship Programme will allow the participants to better contribute to the protection and promotion of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of people of African descent in their respective countries.

About United Nations

The English language component of the Indigenous Fellowship Programme (IFP) was established in 1997. It takes place at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland and lasts for 4 weeks, usually coinciding with the annual meeting of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP). The objective of this training programme is to enhance the knowledge of indigenous peoples on existing international human rights instruments and mechanisms, so they can use them to more effectively advocate for the rights of their communities ...... read more

Human Rights Fellowship for People of African Descent

Aim and Benefits of Human Rights Fellowship for People of African Descent

The Fellowship programme provides the participants with the opportunity to:

• Learn about and deepen their understanding of the international human rights law and the UN human rights system, the international framework to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and intersecting issues with a focus on people of African descent;
• Strengthen skills in developing project proposals, delivering presentations and submitting information to human rights mechanisms;
• Gain first-hand exposure to human rights mechanisms;
• Meet with a wide-range of actors.

Each fellow is entitled to a return ticket (economy class) from the country of residence to Geneva; basic health insurance; and a stipend to cover modest accommodation and other living expenses for the duration of the Programme.

Requirements for Human Rights Fellowship for People of African Descent Qualification

To be eligible for the Human Rights Fellowship:

• The candidate must be an individual of African descent living in the Diaspora. · The candidate must have a minimum of 4 years of work experience related to the rights of People of African Descent.
• The candidate needs to have sufficient command of the English language to be able to participate fully in the programme.
• The candidate has to submit a letter from an organization working on issues related to People of African Descent or minority rights certifying their status.
• The candidates must be available to attend the full duration of the programme. The selected fellows will be expected to participate in different activities and to strictly follow the programme.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Human Rights Fellowship for People of African Descent

The selection of the fellows will reflect gender and regional balance. The human rights situation of People of African Descent in the respective countries will also be taken into consideration.

Documents Required for Application

• A Curriculum Vitae
• A completed, signed and scanned Application Form (English | Français | Español) in one single document.
• A Personal Statement (maximum 500 words) in which the candidate will explain his/her motivation for applying, and how he/she will use the knowledge gained from the fellowship to promote the interests and rights of people of African descent.
• An Official Letter from the nominating organization or community certifying the status
• A copy of the applicant’s passport.
• Please note that submissions with more than five attachments will not be accepted.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted in English, Français and Español

Applicants are requested to submit the following documents in one single e-mail to [email protected]

Important: Please mention in the subject header of your e-mail: “Application for the 2022 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent.” Name the attached document as follows:

• LAST NAME First name – Type of document
• Example: SMITH Jacqueline – Application form.doc
• SMITH Jacqueline – A Personal Statement.doc
• SMITH Jacqueline – Letter certifying Status.pdf
• SMITH Jacqueline – Passport.pdf

For more details, visit UN website.