OHCHR Minorities Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded UN Program

Are you a passionate advocate for minority rights? Do you want to learn directly from the United Nations and strengthen your skills as a human-rights defender? The OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Programme 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, is one of the top fully funded international fellowships for activists belonging to minority groups worldwide.

This prestigious fellowship equips participants with world-class training, UN exposure, and the tools needed to transform their advocacy into impactful change.

Quick Overview: OHCHR Minorities Fellowship 2026

What Is the OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Programme?

The Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP) is a flagship initiative of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Since 2005, it has empowered minority-rights defenders by offering intensive training on:

• International human-rights laws
• UN systems and mechanisms
• Minority protection frameworks
• Advocacy and leadership skills

Fellows gain direct access to UN sessions, interact with human-rights experts, and build global networks that support long-term advocacy.

This programme is designed specifically for individuals who belong to minority communities and are committed to improving the rights of these groups.

Check: Climate Action Week Maldives 2026

Key Benefits of the OHCHR Fellowship (Fully Funded)

This is a 100% fully funded United Nations fellowship, making it accessible to individuals from all regions.

• Free RoundTrip Air Ticket - Your travel from your home country to Geneva is completely covered.
• Monthly Stipend - A generous stipend supports your accommodation, meals, and living expenses.
• Health Insurance - Fellows are provided basic medical coverage during the programme.
• UN-Level Human-Rights Training - You receive hands-on training on:
  • Human Rights Council
  • UN Treaty Bodies
  • Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
  • Special Procedures
• Access to Global Human-Rights Networks - Meet UN officials, international NGOs, policy experts, researchers, and fellow activists.
• Long-Term Career Growth - Many alumni become:
  • Human-rights trainers
  • NGO leaders
  • Policy advisors
  • UN consultants
  • Community mobilizers

Are Pakistani Applicants Eligible?

Yes, Pakistani applicants are absolutely eligible—as long as they belong to a recognized minority group.

Pakistani minority applicants may include:

• Christians
• Hindus
• Sikhs
• Ahmadis
• Kalash community
• Shia Hazara
• Ismaili community
• Linguistic minorities (Balochi, Brahui, Seraiki, Shina, etc.)

If you belong to any national, ethnic, religious, or linguistic minority group in Pakistan and meet the other requirements, you can apply.

Eligibility Criteria for OHCHR Fellowship 2026

Applicants must meet these conditions:

• Must Belong to a Minority Group - This is the primary qualification.
• Active Involvement in Human-Rights or Community Work - Experience in advocacy, activism, training, or community development is preferred.
• Strong Commitment to Minority Rights - You must show leadership potential and willingness to work for your community.
• Ability to Train Others after the Fellowship - The goal is to spread knowledge within your community.
• Language Proficiency - You must be able to follow training in:
  • English
  • Arabic
  • or Russian
• Recommendation Letter - Preferably from a minority-led organization.

Why This Fellowship Matters

This fellowship is not just a training—it is a transformational leadership journey.

Participants return to their countries with:

• Stronger knowledge of minority rights
• Advanced advocacy skills
• Global connections
• Confidence to engage with policymakers
• The ability to influence laws and community programmes

It is ideal for activists who want to create real, sustainable impact.

Final Thoughts

The OHCHR Minorities Fellowship Programme 2026 is one of the most respected, fully funded UN opportunities for minority-rights defenders. If you’re dedicated to uplifting your community, empowering marginalized voices, and working towards equality, this fellowship can be a breakthrough moment in your career.

Whether you are from Pakistan or any other country, if you belong to a minority group and want to make a difference, this is your chance. Apply Now!