Under the programme, fellowships are awarded only to candidates nominated by their Governments and are financed under the regular budget for advisory services. Each year, the Secretary-General sends invitations to Member States to submit nominations for fellowships. Governments are requested to nominate persons directly engaged in functions affecting human rights, particularly in the administration of justice. The Secretary-General draws their attention to concerns expressed by the General Assembly, in many of its resolutions, with regard to the rights of women, and encourages the nomination of women candidates. The principle of equitable geographical distribution is taken into account and priority is given to candidates from States which have never benefited from the fellowship programme, or which have not done so in recent years.
Participants receive intensive training in a variety of human rights issues.
They are encouraged to exchange experience among themselves and are requested to evaluate the fellowship programme, to present individual oral reports, and to prepare recommendations for their superiors on the basis of knowledge acquired during the programme. In accordance with the policy and procedure governing the administration of United Nations fellowships, each participant is required to submit a comprehensive final report to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on subjects directly related to their field of activity.