The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has officially opened applications for the Indigenous Fellowship Programme (IFP) 2027, a prestigious fully funded United Nations fellowship designed to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous leaders and human rights advocates worldwide.
Held over four weeks in Geneva, Switzerland, the fellowship equips Indigenous participants with in-depth knowledge of the United Nations human rights system, international mechanisms protecting Indigenous peoples, and practical advocacy skills to support their communities.
Selected fellows will receive a round-trip international airfare, living expenses, and basic health insurance for the entire duration of the programme.
Applications are open until 6 September 2026 (23:59 Geneva time).
Established in 1997 during the first International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People, the Indigenous Fellowship Programme aims to empower Indigenous representatives with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous peoples.
The programme enables participants to gain first-hand experience of how the United Nations human rights system functions while interacting with UN experts, Indigenous leaders, and international human rights practitioners.
After completing the fellowship, participants are expected to return to their communities and share the knowledge and skills they have acquired, strengthening local advocacy and leadership.
Programme Highlights
The fellowship offers intensive training covering:
- The United Nations human rights system
- International human rights mechanisms
- Indigenous peoples’ rights
- Human rights advocacy
- UN engagement strategies
- International human rights standards
- Practical skills for community leadership
Participants also attend the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), allowing them to observe and engage directly with international discussions on Indigenous rights.
Training is delivered with simultaneous interpretation in four languages.
Training Languages
The Indigenous Fellowship Programme is available in:
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Portuguese
Participants should apply in the language they are most comfortable using professionally.
Fellowship Benefits
The programme is fully funded by OHCHR.
Selected fellows will receive:
- Return international airfare to Geneva
- Living allowance for the duration of the programme
- Basic health insurance
- Four weeks of intensive United Nations training
- Access to UN human rights experts
- Networking opportunities with Indigenous leaders from around the world
- Participation in the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
There is no participation fee.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open exclusively to Indigenous persons from around the world.
Applicants must:
- Be an Indigenous person
- Be nominated and supported by an Indigenous organization or community
- Have a good working knowledge of the programme language (English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese)
- Commit to training other Indigenous people after completing the fellowship
Importantly:
- There is no age limit
- Formal educational qualifications are not required
- Indigenous women are strongly encouraged to apply
- Indigenous LGBTQI+ individuals are encouraged to apply
- Indigenous persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Non-Indigenous applicants are not eligible, regardless of their work with Indigenous communities.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must complete both sections of the online application form and submit:
- Fully completed application form
- Official recommendation letter from the nominating Indigenous organization or community
The recommendation letter must be uploaded directly through the online application system.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
Applications undergo a competitive multi-stage selection process.
The process includes:
- Initial review of applications
- Pre-selection by former Indigenous Fellows
- Interviews for shortlisted candidates
- Final review by an OHCHR advisory group
Selection seeks to ensure:
- Gender balance
- Regional representation
- Diversity among Indigenous communities
- Consideration of human rights situations in applicants’ regions
Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Programme Location
The fellowship takes place at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland.
Training is usually scheduled to coincide with the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) during June or July, giving fellows valuable exposure to international human rights discussions.
Why Apply?
The OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme is one of the United Nations’ flagship capacity-building initiatives for Indigenous leaders.
Participants benefit from:
- Practical knowledge of UN human rights mechanisms
- International advocacy skills
- Leadership development
- Global networking opportunities
- Direct interaction with UN experts
- Exposure to international human rights negotiations
- Skills to strengthen advocacy within their own communities
Graduates become part of a global network of Indigenous human rights defenders working to advance the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples worldwide.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the official online application form and upload all required documents before the deadline.
Applications must be submitted no later than 6 September 2026 (23:59 Geneva time).
Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
For questions about the programme, applicants may contact:
Opportunity Summary
Organization: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Programme: Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2027
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: Four Weeks
Funding:
- Return airfare
- Living expenses
- Basic health insurance
Languages:
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Portuguese
Eligibility:
- Indigenous persons worldwide
- Community nomination required
- Good working knowledge of programme language
Application Deadline:
6 September 2026 (23:59 Geneva Time)
