United Nations OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme

Application Deadline: May 25 2015

The Indigenous Fellowship Programme (IFP) is a comprehensive human rights training programme that was established by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the context of the first International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (1995-2004).

The programme contributes to build the capacity and expertise of indigenous representatives on the UN system and mechanisms dealing with human rights in general and indigenous issues in particular, so they are in a better position to protect and promote the rights of their communities at the international level.

Since the launch of the training programme in 1997, more than 300 indigenous men and women from all over the world have been trained. They provided human rights training to many more in their communities.

The curriculum is also adjusted as per language component and is currently organized as follows:

• English and French : the training only takes place in Geneva and lasts four weeks;
• Spanish: organized in collaboration with the University of Deusto (UD) in Bilbao, Spain, the programme is composed of a two-month course at the UD, followed by four weeks of training at the OHCHR in Geneva;
• Russian : organized in collaboration with the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (PFUR) in Moscow, Russian Federation, the programme consists of a one-month course at the PFUR, followed by four weeks of training at the OHCHR in Geneva

The Training:

• The IFP is accessible in four different languages: English, French, Spanish and Russian.
• The IFP is held annually and fellows from the 4 language components of the programme are trained together with simultaneous interpretation during 4 to 5 weeks in Geneva.
• The date of the training programme usually coincides with the annual meeting of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (June/July), thus allowing the fellows to participate more actively in that Mechanism.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. The candidate must be indigenous (non-indigenous persons will not be taken into consideration, even if they have close links with indigenous communities and/or organizations).
2. Age should not be a limitation to participation in the programme.
3. Formal education should not be a limitation to participation in the IFP given the socio-economic barriers confronted by many indigenous peoples that limit access to formal educational institutions.
4. Candidates should agree to train other indigenous persons after the return to their respective communities/organizations.
5. The candidate should be proposed and his/her candidacy supported by his/her indigenous organization and/or community. It is desirable that the sponsoring organization has a firm constituency or membership and that it is representative.
6. The candidate should have a good working knowledge of the language, in which the programme is imparted.

Benefits

• The selected candidates are entitled to a return flight ticket, living expenses and basic health insurance for the duration of the training.

How to Apply:

• Download and Fill out the Application Form

Fellowship applications will only be taken into consideration if they are fully completed. Both parts I and II of the application form must be signed and sent by regular post at the following address:

Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Section
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
UNOG-OHCHR
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland

Scanned applications are also accepted, although we prefer receiving applications by post. Your scanned application can be sent at the following email: [email protected]

Application forms need to be accompanied by an official recommendation letter from the nominating indigenous organization or community.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the United Nations OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme