Applications are now open for the I’M OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program 2024. The Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP) is OHCHR’s most comprehensive training initiative for individuals advocating for human rights and minority rights, specifically those belonging to national or ethnic, religious, and linguistic minority groups.
Main Focus of the 2024 I’M OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program
By the end of the MFP, participants are expected to possess a general understanding of the United Nations system, international human rights instruments, and mechanisms, with a specific focus on those relevant to minority groups. Additionally, fellows should be equipped to provide further training to their respective communities or organizations.
Moreover, the Programme creates an opportunity for human rights activists dedicated to safeguarding and advancing minority rights to expand their network of partners. This is made possible through the establishment of strategic dialogues among like-minded activists worldwide, as well as with the United Nations and relevant NGOs in Geneva.
Benefits
The MFP is conducted in the city of Geneva, Switzerland. Scholars participating in the program are granted the following privileges:
- A round-trip ticket (economy class) from their home country to Geneva.
- Basic health insurance that covers the duration of the program.
- A stipend to cover reasonable accommodation and additional living expenses during the program.
Who Can Apply?
- The applicant must be a member of a national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority group. Even if they have close ties with minority communities or organizations, individuals who do not belong to a minority group will not be considered for this program.
- Please note that if your community identifies as Indigenous, you should apply to our Indigenous Fellowship Programme instead. The Indigenous Fellowship Programme is a separate program with different application forms and deadlines.
- Formal education should not hinder participation in the Minorities Fellowship Programme, as long as relevant experience can be demonstrated.
- Candidates should have the ability, willingness, and opportunity to train other individuals belonging to minorities once they return to their respective communities or organizations, and they must agree to do so.
- Candidates must have a good working knowledge of the language used in the program.
- The candidate should be proposed and their candidacy supported by their organization and/or community. The sponsoring organization is encouraged to:
- Have a strong constituency or membership within the minority.
- Represents minority issues.
- Engages in work related to minority concerns.
- Comprises individuals belonging to minorities.
- The overall objective of the Minorities Fellowship Programme is to provide individuals belonging to minorities with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect and promote human and minority rights within their organizations and communities. Therefore, it is important that the candidate proposed and nominated by a minority organization or community is committed to returning to their NGO to work in this field.
How to Apply
- Fellowship application forms are offered in English, Russian, and Arabic.
- Both sections I and II of the application form must be completed and signed. Additionally, the application forms must be accompanied by an official recommendation letter from the nominating organization or community. Only fully completed fellowship applications will be considered.
- Interested candidates should submit their application with the subject “Application to the 2024 Minorities Fellowship Programme” via email to the provided email address in either of the fellowship application forms.
- Emailed applications must be signed, scanned, and submitted as a single PDF file.
- Any inquiries regarding the Minorities Fellowship Programme can be directed to the contact information provided in either of the fellowship application forms.
- Please note that applications received after the specified deadline will not be taken into consideration.
For more information about the I’M OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Program, please visit the official website.
Application Deadline
December 8, 2023.
