Anticipated Start Date: November 10, 2025
Description
Learner in Mission | November 10 to 28,,2025 | People of African descent
The United Church of Canada is inviting applications for the Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent to be held in Geneva, Switzerland from November 10 to 28, 2025 by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
This annual three-week Fellowship programme is an intensive human rights training for people of African descent, from the diaspora, who are engaged in promoting the rights of people of African descent. Through the programme, you can:
- 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;
- Gain first-hand exposure to international human rights mechanisms and OHCHR.
- Engage with the international human rights mechanisms and OHCHR and strengthen skills in developing project proposals and delivering presentations.
You can learn more at:
https://www.ohchr.org/en/about-us/fellowship-programmes/fellowship-programme-people-african-descent
COST
The UN will cover the costs for successful applicants, including international airfare, health insurance and small stipend..
To Apply
To apply, please follow the instructions and complete the application for the Programme posted on the programme webpage. Application is submitted via email directly to the program organizers in Geneva.
Each applicant requires an "official letter from an organisation working on issues related to people of African descent or minority rights – on official letterhead - certifying the candidate’s role within the organization".
If you wish to receive this letter from The United Church of Canada, please send a request with your completed application via email to pip@united-church.ca by June 20, 2025. This will provide sufficient time to consider your request, and if approved, then send back to you so you can submit with your application directly to the organizers by their posted date of 30 June 2025.
In Geneva, the selection of the fellows will reflect gender and regional balance. As well, the human rights situation of people of African descent in the respective countries will also be taken into consideration.
If you have questions, please email