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 Programme will allow the participants to better contribute to the protection and promotion of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of Afro-descendants in their respective countries.

The first Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent was launched by the Anti-Discrimination Section of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2011 in the context of the International Year for People of African Descent.

This year the Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent will be held from 12 to 30 March 2012 in Geneva, Switzerland. The programme will coincide with the 11th session of the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent enabling the fellows to attend and observe the Working Group’s session and gain a better understanding of its mandate and work.

Who can apply?

• The candidate must be an African descendant living in the Diaspora.
• The candidate must have a minimum of 4 years of experience related to the human rights of People of African Descent.
• The candidate must be fluent in the English language to be able to participate fully in the programme.
• The candidate is nominated by an organization working on issues related to People of African Descent or minority rights.

How to Apply?

Applicants are requested to submit the following documents in a single e-mail to [email protected] or by fax to +41 22 928 90 50:

• A Curriculum Vita.
• A completed Application Form baring original signature of both the candidate and nomination organization.
• A Personal Statement (maximum 500) in which the candidate will explain his/her motivation for applying, and how he/she will use what they learn to advocate for the protection and promotion of the human rights of people of African descent.
• An Official Letter of Support from the nominating organization or community
• A copy of the applicant’s passport.

Important: For applications via email kindly place in the subject header of the e-mail: “Application for the 2012 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent.”

Name any 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

Deadline for Applications:

Participant’s entitlement

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.

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 due to the volume, applications will not be acknowledged. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Any questions pertaining to the Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent can be directed to: [email protected]