The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples is inviting applications from Indigenous individuals and representatives of Indigenous Peoples’ organisations to participate in two major United Nations human rights meetings in 2027. Selected participants will receive financial support for travel, accommodation and related expenses, enabling them to represent their communities and contribute to international advocacy on Indigenous Peoples’ rights. The funding opportunity covers participation in the 26th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York and the 20th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) in Geneva. Application deadline: 8 November 2026 at 23:59 Geneva time. About the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples Administered by the United Nations human rights system, the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples supports the participation of Indigenous representatives in relevant United Nations meetings and processes. The Fund aims to help Indigenous Peoples engage directly with international human rights mechanisms, raise concerns affecting their communities and contribute to discussions and policy decisions concerning their rights. This opportunity is particularly valuable for Indigenous advocates and community representatives who have relevant experience but lack the financial resources to attend international meetings. Meetings Covered by the Funding Selected applicants may receive support to attend one of the following meetings: 1. 26th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) Dates: 10–21 May 2027 Location: New York, United States of America Focus: Discussions concerning Indigenous Peoples’ rights, priorities, development and participation in international policy processes. 2. 20th Session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) Dates: 12–16 July 2027 Location: Geneva, Switzerland Focus: Expert discussions and advice concerning the rights of Indigenous Peoples, including issues relevant to international human rights standards and their implementation. Applicants should identify the meeting most relevant to their advocacy work and explain how their participation would benefit their communities or organisations. Funding and Benefits The UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples will arrange travel support and provide a stipend in accordance with United Nations rules and procedures. The support is intended to cover: Travel arrangements to attend the selected meeting. Accommodation expenses. Related participation expenses. The announcement does not specify a fixed cash award or stipend amount. Support will be administered under applicable United Nations procedures, and applicants should consult the official announcement for any additional details. Who Can Apply? Applications are open to Indigenous individuals and representatives of Indigenous Peoples’ organisations who meet the following conditions: They are actively involved in promoting and protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples. They can explain how their participation will strengthen advocacy on behalf of their community or organisation. They require financial assistance to cover travel, accommodation and related expenses. Applications from Indigenous persons with disabilities and Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ persons are particularly encouraged. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their connection to the Indigenous community or organisation they represent and explain the relevance of their work to the selected UN mechanism. Selection Criteria Applications will be assessed against five main criteria: Representation: Priority will be given to applicants with a clear mandate from their communities or organisations. Relevance: Applicants should demonstrate engagement with human rights issues affecting Indigenous Peoples and the specific UN mechanism they intend to attend. Potential impact: Applications should explain how participation could strengthen advocacy, international engagement or policy influence at national, regional or international levels. Previous engagement and preparedness: Experience in advocacy processes, consultations, caucuses, submissions or community initiatives related to the selected meeting is encouraged. Financial need: Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a lack of alternative funding sources. A strong application should clearly connect the applicant’s previous work, the priorities of their community and the expected outcomes of attending the meeting. Required Application Documents Applicants must complete the official online application form and upload the following documents: A recent curriculum vitae (CV). A copy of their passport. A recommendation letter from the Indigenous organisation, community, non-governmental organisation or non-profit institution they represent. There is no prescribed template for the recommendation letter. Applicants may use a format appropriate to their organisation or community. How to Apply Applications must be submitted through the official online application system. Applications sent by email will not be accepted, and late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Use the appropriate application link: English application: https://survey.ohchr.org/956359?lang=en Spanish application: https://survey.ohchr.org/342518?lang=es French application: https://survey.ohchr.org/956359?lang=fr Before submitting, applicants should ensure that all required documents are uploaded and that their responses clearly explain their representation, relevant advocacy experience, financial need and the anticipated benefits of participation. How to Strengthen Your Application Applicants can improve their submissions by demonstrating a clear connection between their work and the objectives of the selected UN meeting. The application should explain the human rights issues affecting their community, the advocacy activities they have undertaken and how attending the meeting could lead to meaningful outcomes. A recommendation letter should establish the applicant’s relationship with the community or organisation and, where appropriate, confirm their mandate to represent its interests. Applicants should also provide a realistic explanation of their financial need and ensure that all information is accurate and consistent. Application Deadline The deadline is 8 November 2026 at 23:59 Geneva time. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered. For enquiries about the Fund, contact ohchr-indigenousfunds@un.org. Due to the high volume of applications, the Secretariat will contact selected candidates only and cannot respond individually to enquiries about application outcomes. Official Application Information Visit the official UN Human Rights website for the complete announcement and further details: VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.