OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2027 in Switzerland

The Indigenous Fellowship Programme is a unique opportunity for Indigenous people from around the world to gain deep knowledge of the United Nations human rights system. It is run by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and has been running since 1997.

Over time, nearly 600 Indigenous leaders from more than 70 countries have completed it and now help their communities protect their rights. You can check out more Internships, BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

When Does the Programme Take Place?

• The training happens together with simultaneous interpretation over 4 weeks in Geneva, Switzerland.
• It usually takes place in June or July each year and often coincides with the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• This lets Fellows attend the Mechanism meetings and take part in real UN discussions.

What Does the Programme Cover?

Selected Fellows receive:

• A return flight ticket to Geneva
• Living expenses during the entire training
• Basic health insurance for the full duration

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Who Can Apply:

You must meet these important requirements to be considered:

• You must be an Indigenous person. Non-Indigenous applicants are not accepted, even if they have close links to Indigenous communities or organisations.
• Indigenous women, LGBTQI+ individuals, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
• There is no age limit.
• Formal education is not required because many Indigenous peoples face barriers to schooling due to their situation.
• You must be willing to train other Indigenous people in your community or organisation after you return.
• Your application must be supported by your Indigenous organisation or community. The sponsoring group should have a strong membership and be representative.
• You need a good working knowledge of the language in which you are applying (English, Spanish, French or Portuguese).

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Selection Process:

The selection is fair and balanced. It considers:

• Gender balance
• Regional balance
• Balance between different Indigenous communities
• The general human rights situation in your country or region

A pre-selection of 15 to 20 candidates per language group is made by previous Indigenous Fellows. The shortlisted candidates then go through interviews. The final list is reviewed by an OHCHR advisory group.

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How to Apply:

1. Complete both parts of the online application form (all fields required)
2. Upload an official recommendation letter from your Indigenous organisation or community directly into the form
3. Submit well before the deadline of 6 September 2026 (23:59 Geneva time)

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