Application Deadline:22 March 2020.
The Fellowship programme for people of African descent is a three-week intensive learning opportunity for people of African descent from the diaspora, who are engaged in promoting the rights of people of African descent.
It takes place once a year at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva.
The Fellowship programme provides the participants with the opportunity to:
- Learn about and deepen their understanding of the international human rights law and the UN human rights system, the international framework to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and intersecting issues with a focus on people of African descent;
- Strengthen skills in developing project proposals, delivering presentations and submitting information to human rights mechanisms;
- Gain first-hand exposure to human rights mechanisms;
- Meet with a wide-range of actors.
The aim is to strengthen participants’ skills to contribute to the protection and promotion of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of people of African descent in their respective countries. The participants are equipped with the tools necessary to enhance the development of legislation, policies and programmes; to strengthen collaboration of civil society with governments; and to undertake local awareness-raising activities.
Eligibility criteria
The event/initiative should meet the following criteria:
- Event or initiative is organised by a non-governmental organisation in which a former fellow is involved. The former fellow is the main focal point for the organisation of the event or initiative.
- The scope and objective of the event or initiative aimed at combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
- A concept note is submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the date of the event or initiative.
- The concept note includes title, background/rationale for organising the event (reference to international, regional and/or national ongoing activities, recent news, etc.), objective, agenda, list of speakers, date, venue, target audience and expected attendance, provisional budget, planned follow up activities (if any).
For whom?
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 programme is bilingual in English and French. The candidate needs to have sufficient command of one of the two languages 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.
Since 2011, 83 fellows from 32 countries have participated in the Fellowship programme including Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Germany, Guyana, Honduras, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Moldova, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, Norway, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.
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.
When?
In 2020, the Fellowship will be held from 23 November to 11 December in Geneva, Switzerland.
How to Apply?
THE CALL FOR APPLICATION FOR 2020 IS NOW OPEN
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 from the nominating organization or community certifying the status
- 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 2020 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 certifying Status.pdf
SMITH Jacqueline – Passport.pdf
Deadline for Applications: 22 March 2020.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the UN Human Rights-Fellowship Program 2020