Fully Funded UN OHCHR Fellowship 2023 in Switzerland

Applications are now being accepted by the UN Human Rights Office for the UN OHCHR Fellowship 2023 in Switzerland. This fellowship presents a distinctive and stimulating chance for individuals of African descent to acquire direct experience with the UN human rights system and enhance their abilities in various areas such as project proposal development, public speaking, and submitting information to human rights mechanisms. This write-up aims to explore the specifics of this fellowship that is completely financed, including its qualifications, advantages, and application procedure, to aid potential candidates in comprehending how to apply and what they can anticipate from the program.

The UN fellowship program was established in 2011 by the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section and is currently endorsed by a resolution of the General Assembly. The program is a component of the International Decade for People of African Descent, which endeavors to acknowledge and boost the rights and welfare of individuals of African descent worldwide. The Decade is administered by the High Commissioner. The primary aim of the global fellowship program is to enhance the abilities of the participants in promoting and safeguarding the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of people of African descent in their nations. By joining the program, individuals can gain knowledge and resources to devise legislation, policies, and programs that can have a positive impact on their communities. Participants will also learn how to collaborate with civil society and governmental organizations to enhance the situation of people of African descent.

This fully-funded fellowship in Europe presents a chance for individuals to establish a network of connections with fellow participants and human rights professionals, which could be advantageous for their future career prospects. Undoubtedly, this fellowship provides a rare opportunity to acquire valuable experience in the realm of human rights, as well as to explore the picturesque nation of Switzerland. The clock is ticking to apply for this valuable opportunity to improve your skills and create an impact in promoting and safeguarding people’s rights. Therefore, do not miss this chance to contribute and submit your application before the deadline.

Scholarship Summary:

Host Country:

• Geneva, Switzerland

Funded By:

• UN OHCHR

Fellowship Duration:

• The duration of this UN fellowship is from 13 November to 1st December.

Scholarship Benefits:

Financial Support: The fellowship covers economy-class travel, basic health insurance, and a stipend that includes accommodation and other living expenses.

Focus on Combating Racism and Related Intolerance: The program places a specific emphasis on addressing racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. Participants will acquire a deeper understanding of these issues and the legal frameworks and mechanisms available to combat them.

Skill Development: Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their abilities in project proposal development, public speaking, and submitting information to human rights mechanisms. These skills are vital for effective advocacy and engagement with the human rights system.

First-hand Exposure to Human Rights Mechanisms: Participants will have the chance to engage with different human rights mechanisms, such as treaty bodies, special procedures, and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. This first-hand experience will provide valuable insights into the operations of these mechanisms and how to engage with them effectively.

Exposure to Different Cultures: The program brings together participants from diverse backgrounds and cultures, offering an opportunity 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 needed to advance their careers in the human rights field. Participants gain practical experience in advocacy, research, and networking, which they can apply in their future work.

Networking Opportunities: Participants will have the opportunity to meet and network with a wide range of individuals, including UN officials, human rights experts, and civil society organizations. This provides a platform for building relationships with key actors in the human rights field.

Eligibility Criteria:

Here are the eligibility criteria for the fellowship program presented in bullet points:

• The candidate must be of African descent and currently living outside of Africa.
• The candidate must have a minimum of 4 years of work experience related to the rights of people of African descent.
• The candidate must have a good command of the English language.
• The candidate must be available to attend the entire duration of the program.
• 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 program.
• The candidate must be involved in the promotion and protection of the human rights of people of African descent.

Documents Needed:

Application Requirements for the Fellowship Program:

Completed Application Form: The applicant must fill out and sign the application form, providing personal and contact information, educational background, and work experience.

Copy of Passport: The applicant must provide a copy of a valid passport to confirm their nationality and identity.

Curriculum Vitae: The applicant must include a summary of their educational qualifications, work experience, skills, and achievements.

Personal Statement: A maximum of 500 words is required, explaining the applicant’s motivation for applying and how the knowledge gained will promote the interests and rights of people of African descent.

Official Letter from Nominating Organization: The applicant must submit a letter from their nominating organization on official letterhead, certifying their status.

Submission: All required documents must be submitted in one email to [email protected]g.

How to Apply: