The United Nations OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program (MFP) 2026 is a prestigious fully-funded program designed for human rights defenders from national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority groups. Launched in 2005, this fellowship equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to promote and protect minority rights in their communities.
About the Minorities Fellowship Program
The MFP is the OHCHR’s most comprehensive training program for minority human rights defenders. Fellows gain:
- A deep understanding of the United Nations system
- Knowledge of international human rights instruments and mechanisms
- Specialized insight into minority rights
The program also offers a unique opportunity to build strategic partnerships with activists from around the world, UN officials, and Geneva-based NGOs, fostering a global network dedicated to minority rights advocacy.
Program Details
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Languages Offered: English, Russian, Arabic
- Duration: One month, including a one-week preparatory session in Strasbourg, France
- Benefits:
- Return economy-class flight to Geneva
- Basic health insurance for the program duration
- Stipend for accommodation and living expenses
Also Apply For: New America Fellows Program Class of 2027 – Funding Up to $30,000
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Belong to a national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority group
- Be able and willing to train others in their community upon return
- Have relevant experience, as formal education is not mandatory
- Be endorsed by their organization or community
Note: Indigenous applicants should apply to the separate Indigenous Fellowship Programme.
The sponsoring organization should:
- Represent minority issues
- Have a firm constituency or membership within the minority group
- Include minority members in its leadership and operations
Selection Process
The fellowship emphasizes gender and regional balance. Selection considers:
- The human rights situation in the applicant’s region
- Conditions of the minority community represented
The process includes:
- Pre-selection of 15–20 candidates per language by former fellows
- Interviews of pre-selected candidates
- Final selection by an OHCHR advisory group
Only successful candidates will be contacted.
How to Apply
- Applications are available in English, Russian, and Arabic
- Complete both parts I and II of the application
- Submit an official recommendation letter from the nominating organization
- Deadline: 31 January 2026, 23:59 (Geneva time)
Applications must be submitted online and fully completed to be considered.
For inquiries, visit the United Nations OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program.
