The Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP), launched in 2005 by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive training initiatives dedicated to human rights defenders from national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minority groups.
Taking place annually in Geneva, Switzerland, the programme equips minority advocates with the knowledge, tools, and global networks needed to protect and promote minority rights within their communities.
What Is the Minorities Fellowship Programme?
The MFP offers fellows an in-depth understanding of:
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The United Nations system
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International human rights laws and instruments
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Global human rights mechanisms
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Minority rights within the UN framework
Beyond training, the programme provides an exceptional opportunity to build strategic partnerships with activists from around the world, UN staff, and Geneva-based NGOs.
The programme is delivered in three languages:
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English
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Russian
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Arabic
What the Fellowship Covers (Fully Funded Benefits)
Selected fellows receive the following support:
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Round-trip economy airfare from their home country to Geneva
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Basic health insurance during the programme
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Monthly stipend to cover modest accommodation and living expenses
This makes the MFP a fully funded international opportunity for minority rights defenders.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
✔ Belong to a national, ethnic, linguistic, or religious minority group
Applicants who are not part of a minority group will not be considered, even if they work closely with minority communities.
Note: Indigenous applicants should apply to the Indigenous Fellowship Programme, which has its own application process.
✔ Have relevant experience
Formal education is not required, but applicants must demonstrate experience and active engagement in minority rights.
✔ Be able to train others
Fellows should be able and willing to share the knowledge gained with their communities upon return.
✔ Have strong language skills
Applicants must be proficient in the language of the programme they apply to (English, Russian, or Arabic).
✔ Be nominated by their community or organization
The sponsoring organization should preferably:
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Represent the interests of the minority group
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Have a strong membership within the community
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Work on minority-related issues
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Be composed of minority group members
The ultimate goal is for fellows to return to their communities as empowered advocates, advancing the protection and promotion of minority rights.
Selection Process
The selection process aims for regional and gender balance and takes into account:
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The human rights conditions in the applicant’s country
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The situation of the minority community the applicant belongs to
How Fellows Are Selected
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Pre-selection:
A panel of former fellows reviews applications and shortlists 15–20 candidates per language group. -
Interviews:
Pre-selected applicants are invited for interviews. -
Final Decision:
An OHCHR advisory group makes the final selection.
Important: Due to the large number of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted.
Programme Timeline
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The fellowship usually takes place in November each year.
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Includes a one-week preparatory training in Strasbourg, France before the Geneva component.
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Total duration: Approximately one month.
How to Apply
Application forms are available in English,Russian, and Arabic.
Applicants must complete both:
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Part I
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Part II
In addition, applications must include:
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An official recommendation letter from the nominating organization or community
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The letter must be uploaded directly to the online application form
Only fully completed applications will be considered.
Application Deadline
31 January 2026 at 23:59 (Geneva time)
Applicants are strongly advised to apply well before the deadline.
Questions?
For inquiries, contact:
ohchr-fellowship@un.org