Are you passionate about human rights and want to make a difference in the world? Have you ever dreamed of working with the United Nations and fighting for people’s rights? If yes, then this is an opportunity for you. The United Nations Human Rights Office is currently accepting applications for the OHCHR Fellowship 2023 in Switzerland. This is a unique and exciting fellowship opportunity for individuals of African descent to gain first-hand exposure to the United Nations human rights system and to develop skills in developing project proposals, public speaking, and providing information to human rights mechanisms. In this article, we will delve into the details of this Fully funded fellowshipincluding eligibility criteria, benefits and the application process to help potential applicants understand how to apply and what they can expect from the programme.
The United Nations Fellowships Program was started in 2011 by the Section against Racial Discrimination and is now supported by a resolution of the General Assembly. The program is part of the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent, which aims to recognize and promote the rights and well-being of people of African descent around the world. The HC is responsible for coordinating the contract. The primary goal of International Fellowship Program It is to enhance participants’ skills in promoting and protecting the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of people of African descent in their countries. By participating in the program, individuals can gain the knowledge and tools to develop legislation, policies, and programs that can positively impact their communities. Participants will also learn how to collaborate with civil society and government organizations to improve the situation of people of African descent.
This fully funded fellowship in Europe can help individuals build a network of contacts with fellow participants and human rights practitioners, which can be beneficial to their future career opportunities. Without a doubt, this fellowship offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field of human rights, while exploring the beautiful country of Switzerland. Time is running out to apply for this valuable opportunity to strengthen your skills and make a difference in promoting and protecting people’s rights. So, do not miss this opportunity to contribute and apply before the deadline.
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security and cooperation among nations. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations system, established in 1993 to promote and protect human rights globally. This fellowship is a unique opportunity for individuals of African descent to gain valuable skills and knowledge in the field of human rights. Not only will they be able to contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights in their countries, but they will also have the opportunity to travel to Switzerland and receive training from leading experts in the field. This experience can be a valuable asset to an individual’s personal and professional development, providing a unique perspective on global issues and the working methods of the United Nations system.
Fellowship of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights 2023 in Switzerland:
host country:
funded by:
Fellowship Duration:
- The duration of this United Nations fellowship is from November 13 to December 1.
Benefits of the OHCHR Fellowship Program in Geneva, Switzerland:
- Financial support:
The fellowship will cover economy class tickets, basic health insurance, and a stipend. The stipend will cover accommodation and other living expenses.
- Focus on combating racism and related intolerance:
The program places special emphasis on combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of these issues and the legal frameworks and mechanisms in place to address them.
- Skill development:
Participants will have the opportunity to strengthen their skills in developing project proposals, making presentations and providing information to human rights mechanisms. These skills are essential for effective advocacy and participation in the human rights system.
- Direct exposure to human rights mechanisms:
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with various human rights mechanisms, including treaty bodies, special procedures, and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. This live demonstration will provide valuable insights into how these mechanisms work and how to deal with them effectively.
- Exposure to different cultures:
Program participants come from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This will provide an opportunity for participants to learn about different cultural perspectives on human rights issues and broaden their understanding of these issues.
- Career development:
The fellowship program provides participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance their careers in the field of human rights. Participants gain practical experience in advocacy, research and communication, which they can apply in their future work.
- Networking opportunities:
Participants will have the opportunity to meet with a wide range of actors, including UN officials, human rights experts, and civil society organizations. This provides a platform for networking and building relationships with key human rights actors.
check Robert S McNamara Fellowships Program 2023 in USA | Paid fellowship
Eligibility Criteria for OHCHR Fellowship in Switzerland 2023:
The eligibility criteria for the fellowship program are as follows:
- The candidate must be of African descent and currently living outside of Africa.
- The candidate must have at least 4 years of work experience related to the rights of people of African descent.
- The candidate must be fluent in English.
- The candidate must be available to attend the full duration of the programme.
- The candidate must be able to obtain a visa to travel to the host country (Switzerland) and any other country that may be included in the programme.
- The candidate must be involved in the promotion and protection of the human rights of people of African descent.
check Bonn SDG Fellowships 2024 in Germany | sponsored
List of Documents Required to Apply for United Nations Fellowship:
The following are the documents required for the fellowship programme:
- Completed application form:
Fill out and sign this form, including personal information, contact information, education, and work experience.
- A copy of the applicant’s passport:
Submit a copy of a valid passport to verify identity and nationality.
Include a summary of educational qualifications, work experience, skills, and accomplishments.
Write in maximum 500 words explaining your motivation for applying and how the knowledge gained will advance the interests and rights of people of African descent.
- Official letter from the nominating organization:
This letter must certify the applicant’s status and be on the organization’s official letterhead.
All required documents must be submitted in one email to [email protected]
How to Apply for OHCHR Fellowship Program 2023?
- Candidates need to submit an online application.
- Therefore, download and complete the application form in English, French or Spanish.
- Prepare a personal statement of no more than 500 words explaining your motivation for applying and how you plan to use the knowledge gained from the fellowship to advance the interests and rights of people of African descent.
- Obtain an official letter from the organization that is nominating you, confirming your status.
- Make sure you have a copy of your passport.
- Rename all attached documents to follow the “LAST NAME First name – Type of document” naming convention.
- Send an email to [email protected] With the following attachments:
- Completed application form
- the biography
- Personal statement
- An official letter from the nominating body
- A copy of your passport
- Ensure that the subject title of the email states “Application for the 2023 Fellowship Program for People of African Descent”.
- Submit the email with all required attachments before the deadline of April 30, 2023.
NB: It is important to note that no submission with more than five attachments will be accepted, so be sure to combine all required documents into one file.
Deadline for submission of OHCHR Fellowship Applications:
The deadline for submitting applications for the fellowship program is April 30, 2023.