UN OHCHR Fellowship 2023 in Switzerland

Are you enthusiastic about advocating for human rights and striving to create positive change in the world? Have you ever aspired to work for the United Nations and champion the cause of human rights? If your answer is yes, then there is an opportunity available for you. The United Nations Human Rights Office is presently inviting applications for the UN OHCHR Fellowship 2023 in Switzerland. This fellowship is an exceptional and thrilling opportunity for individuals of African descent to gain hands-on experience with the UN human rights system, as well as to enhance their abilities in project proposal development, public speaking, and submitting information to human rights mechanisms. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of this fully-funded fellowship, which includes its eligibility requirements, advantages, and application process. It aims to assist potential applicants in comprehending how to apply and what they can anticipate from the program. 

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The UN OHCHR fellowship program 2023 in Switzerland was initiated in 2011 by the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section and is currently endorsed by a General Assembly resolution. This program is a component of the International Decade for People of African Descent, which is designed to acknowledge and advocate for the rights and welfare of individuals of African descent across the globe. The High Commissioner is accountable for coordinating the activities of the Decade. The primary objective of this global fellowship program is to boost the capabilities of the participants in advocating for and safeguarding the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of individuals of African descent in their respective nations. By enrolling in the program, individuals can acquire knowledge and resources to create legislation, policies, and initiatives that can have a beneficial influence on their communities. The participants will also acquire the skills to work in partnership with civil society and governmental organizations to enhance the condition of individuals of African descent.

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This fully-funded fellowship in Europe can assist individuals in establishing a network of connections with other participants and human rights professionals, which can prove advantageous for their future career prospects. Undoubtedly, this fellowship presents a unique chance to acquire valuable experience in the human rights domain, while also discovering the scenic country of Switzerland. The clock is ticking, and the window to apply for this valuable chance to enhance your abilities and contribute towards promoting and safeguarding the rights of people is closing soon. Do not miss out on this opportunity to make a difference and submit your application before the deadline.

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The United Nations (UN) is a global organization established in 1945 with the aim of promoting peace, security, and collaboration among countries. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is among the specialized agencies of the UN system, established in 1993 to advocate for and safeguard human rights across the world. This fellowship presents a distinctive opportunity for individuals of African descent to acquire valuable skills and expertise in the sphere of human rights. By participating in this fellowship, not only will individuals of African descent be able to make a contribution towards promoting and safeguarding human rights in their respective nations, but they will also have the chance to travel to Switzerland and receive training from distinguished experts in the field. This experience can be an invaluable addition to one’s personal and professional growth, offering a distinct outlook on worldwide matters and the workings of the UN system.

UN OHCHR Fellowship 2023 in Switzerland Details:

Benefits of the UN OHCHR Fellowship Program in Geneva, Switzerland:

• Financial Support: The fellowship will include coverage for economy-class travel tickets, basic health insurance, and a stipend to cover accommodation and other necessary living expenses.
• Focus on Combating Racism and Related Intolerance: The program is specifically geared towards combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. By participating in the program, individuals will acquire a more profound understanding of these issues, as well as the legal frameworks and mechanisms designed to tackle them.
• Skill Development: Developing skills in project proposal development, delivering presentations, and submitting information to human rights mechanisms is essential for effective advocacy and engagement with the human rights system, and the fellowship provides participants with the opportunity to strengthen these skills.
• First-hand Exposure to Human Rights Mechanisms: Participating in the fellowship program will provide individuals with the opportunity to engage with various human rights mechanisms such as treaty bodies, special procedures, and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. Through this first-hand exposure, participants will gain valuable insights into the workings of these mechanisms and learn how to engage with them effectively.
• Exposure to Different Cultures: The program aims to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, providing 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 equips participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to advance their careers in the human rights field. They gain practical experience in advocacy, research, and networking, which can be applied to their future work.
• Networking Opportunities: Participants will have the opportunity to network with a diverse range of actors, including UN officials, human rights experts, and civil society organizations. This provides a platform for building relationships and collaborating with key actors in the human rights field.

Eligibility Criteria:

The eligibility criteria for the fellowship program are as follows:

• To be eligible for the UN OHCHR fellowship program 2023 in Switzerland, the applicant must be of African descent and reside outside of Africa.
• The applicant must have at least four years of work experience that is relevant to the promotion and protection of the rights of people of African descent.
• The candidate must possess strong English language skills.
• The candidate must be available to participate in the entire program duration.
• The candidate must be able to obtain a visa to travel to Switzerland, the host country, and any other countries that may be included in the program.
• The applicant should be actively engaged in promoting and protecting the human rights of individuals of African descent.

Required Documents:

Here are the required documents for the fellowship program:

• Completed Application Form.
• Copy of Applicant’s Passport.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Personal Statement.
• Official Letter from the Nominating Organization.

Note: All required documents must be submitted in a single email to [email protected]

Application Deadline:

The deadline for submitting applications for the UN OHCHR fellowship 2023 program is April 30, 2023.