Indigenous Fellowship Programme

Indigenous Fellowship Programme

The Indigenous Fellowship Programme (IFP) was launched by the Office of
the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the context of the
first International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples
(1995/2004).

The aim of the programme is to give indigenous peoples the opportunity
to gain knowledge on the UN system and mechanisms dealing with human
rights in general and indigenous issues in particular so they can assist
their organizations and communities in protecting and promoting the
rights of their people. In its first decade, more than 100 indigenous
men and women from 46 countries undertook the programme. They provided
human rights training to many more in their communities.

The IFP is accessible in four different languages: English, French,
Spanish and Russian. The programme -in its four linguistic versions- is
held annually. Each language version has developed slightly differently
and generally runs from 2 to 4 months. The selected candidates are
entitled to a return flight ticket, living expenses and health
insurance.

Who can apply?

1. The candidate must be indigenous (non-indigenous persons will not be
taken into consideration, even if they have close links with indigenous
communities and/or organizations).

2. Age should not be a limitation to participation in the programme,
although preference should be given to candidates in the age-bracket
25-35 years.

3. Formal education should not be a limitation to participation in the
IFP given the socio-economic barriers confronted by many indigenous
peoples that limit access to formal educational institutions.

4. Candidates should agree to train other indigenous persons after the
return to their respective communities/organizations.

5. The candidate should be proposed and his/her candidacy supported by
his/her indigenous organization and/or community. It is desirable that
the sponsoring organization has a firm constituency or membership and
that it is representative.

6. The candidate should have a good working knowledge of the language,
in which the programme is imparted.

Selection process

The selection of fellows reflects a gender and a regional balance. The
general human rights situation in the respective regions/countries is
also taken into consideration.

A pre-selection of 15 (first five preferences and 10 alternates)
candidates is made by previous indigenous fellows. The final selection
of successful candidates is undertaken by an advisory group composed of
indigenous persons.

In view of the large number of applications, we regret to inform that
only successful candidates will be contacted.

How to apply?

Fellowship applications will only be taken into consideration if they
are fully completed. Both parts I and II must be signed and faxed or
sent by regular post at the following address:

Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Unit
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
UNOG-OHCHR
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Telefax number: (+41 22) 928 90 66

E-mailed applications will not be taken into consideration, unless both
parts I and II are signed and scanned.

Application forms need to be accompanied by an official recommendation
letter from the nominating indigenous organization or community.

Any questions pertaining to the Indigenous Fellowship Programme can be
sent to the address mentioned above or E-mailed to: fellowship@ohchr.org

Source:
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/indigenous/fellowship.htm

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