Launched in 2005, the Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP) is OHCHR’s most comprehensive training programme for human rights defenders from national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minority groups.

By the end of the programme, fellows will gain a general understanding of the United Nations system, international human rights instruments, and mechanisms, with a particular focus on minority rights.

The MFP also serves as an opportunity for human rights activists to broaden their network by building strategic partnerships with activists from around the world, the United Nations, and relevant Geneva-based NGOs.

The programme is offered in three languages: English, Russian, and Arabic, and takes place in Geneva, Switzerland. Fellows are entitled to:

A return economy class ticket from their country of residence to Geneva.

Basic health insurance for the duration of the programme.

A stipend to cover modest accommodation and living expenses.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must belong to a national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority group. Applicants not belonging to minority groups will not be considered, even if they have close ties with minority communities or organizations.

Note: Indigenous applicants should apply to the Indigenous Fellowship Programme, which has a separate application process.

Formal education is not a prerequisite, provided relevant experience is demonstrated. Applicants must have the ability, willingness, and opportunity to train others in their community or organization upon returning. They must also have a good working knowledge of the language in which the programme is conducted.

Candidates should be proposed and supported by their organization or community.

Ideally, the sponsoring organization:

• Has a firm constituency or membership within the minority group.
• Represents minority issues.
• Undertakes work related to minority issues.
• Is composed of persons belonging to minorities.

The goal of the MFP is to equip minority individuals with knowledge and skills in international human rights to help their communities protect and promote human and minority rights. Candidates should return to their NGO or community to work in this field.

Selection Process

The selection of fellows reflects a gender and regional balance. We also take into consideration the general human rights situation in the respective regions/countries, and the situation of the minority community to which the applicant belongs.

Pre-selection of 15 to 20 candidates per language group is conducted by previous fellows, followed by interviews for pre-selected candidates. The final decision is made by an advisory group of OHCHR staff.

In view of the large number of applications, we regret to inform that only successful candidates will be contacted.

Please note that the programme usually takes place in November for a month each year, including a preparatory training component in Strasbourg, France for one week.