UN Human Rights Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent

Deadline: May 31, 2017

Send in your applications for the 2017 UN Human Rights Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent. The Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent provides participants with an intensive learning opportunity to deepen their understanding of the United Nations human rights system, instruments and mechanisms, with a focus on issues of particular relevance to people of African descent. The Fellowship Programme will allow the participants to better contribute to the protection and promotion of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of people of African descent in their respective countries.

In the framework of the Programme of Activities for the Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent, this year the Fellowship will be held from November 13 to December 1, 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland. The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2015-2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent (resolution 68/237) citing the need to strengthen national, regional and international cooperation in relation to the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights by people of African descent, and their full and equal participation in all aspects of society. As proclaimed by the General Assembly, the theme for the International Decade is “People of African descent: recognition, justice and development.”

Benefits

• Each fellow is entitled to a return ticket (economy class) from the country of residence to Geneva;
• Basic health insurance; and
• A stipend to cover modest accommodation and other living expenses for the duration of the Programme.

Eligibility

• The candidate must be an individual of African descent living in the Diaspora;
• The candidate must have a minimum of 4 years of work experience related to the rights of People of African Descent;
• The candidate needs to have sufficient command of the English language to be able to participate fully in the programme;
• The candidate has to submit a letter from an organization working on issues related to People of African Descent or minority rights certifying their status;
• The candidates must be available to attend the full duration of the programme. The selected fellows will be expected to participate in different activities and to strictly follow the programme.

Selection Process

• The selection of the fellows will reflect gender and regional balance. The human rights situation of People of African Descent in the respective countries will also be taken into consideration.
• Please note, that because of the volume of messages, applications will not be acknowledged. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.es, applications will not be acknowledged. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

Application Process

Applicants are requested to submit the following documents in one single e-mail to africandescentfellowship@ohchr.org:

• A Curriculum Vitae
• A completed, signed and scanned application Form in one single document
• A Personal Statement (maximum 500 words) in which the candidate will explain his/her motivation for applying, and how he/she will use the knowledge gained from the fellowship to promote the interests and rights of people of African descent
• An Official Letter of Support from the nominating organization or community
• A copy of the applicant’s passport

Please note that submissions with more than five attachments will not be accepted.

Important: Please mention in the subject header of your e-mail: “Application for the 20176 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent.”

Name the attached document as follows:
LAST NAME First name – Type of document
Example: SMITH Jacqueline – Application form.doc
SMITH Jacqueline – A Personal Statement.doc
SMITH Jacqueline – Letter of Support.pdf
SMITH Jacqueline – Passport.pdf

For more information, visit UN Human Rights Fellowship.