Migration and Human Rights

International migration and mobility are growing global phenomena, increasingly involving mixed migration flows and triggering new challenges in the areas of security and human rights, to name just a few.

Analysing migration as a crosscutting topic and considering the perspectives of both migrants and States, along with other fundamental actors in the global governance system, are crucial steps in developing and implementing national migration and asylum policies that comply with international human rights, humanitarian standards, and labour protection policies.

As reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), global displacement grew by 21 per cent in 2022, reaching 108.4 million people by the end of the year due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order. More than 1 in 74 people worldwide remained forcibly displaced, with almost 90 per cent of them in low- and middle-income countries. Among those forcibly displaced, internally displaced persons (IDPs) numbered over 62.5 million in 2022, and refugees numbered over 35.3 million. In 2022, 54% of all forms of internal displacement were caused by disasters.

Although numerous international legal instruments are in place to ensure the protection of human rights for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, and trafficking victims, violations frequently occur. Despite the potentially significant benefits of migration, irregular and low-skilled economic migrants, smuggled migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, and victims of trafficking remain among the most vulnerable members of our society. They are exposed to discrimination, abuse, and exploitation by various actors, including transnational organized crime networks and terrorist organizations.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes, in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, Target 7, a pledge by United Nations’ Member States to “Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.” Moreover, the adoption of two Global Compacts in 2018, respectively, on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and on Refugees, is a clear indicator of the relevance of international migration in the global governance system.

With these considerations in mind, UNICRI, in cooperation with John Cabot University (JCU), will deliver the ninth edition of the Summer School on Migration and Human Rights, a one-week course shedding light on current issues related to international migration. Participants will gain insights into a variety of concepts and topics and actively engage in discussing matters related, amongst others issues, to:

- International human rights, humanitarian, migration, anti-trafficking, and asylum laws
- The rights of asylum seekers and refugees under international and European law
- The rights of asylum seekers and migrants under the European Convention on Human Rights and in the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights
- Internally displaced persons
- Irregular migration: balancing human rights and security
- Irregular migration by sea
- Migration and rural development
- Migrant protection and assistance
- Right to health for migrants and refugees
- Migration and the challenge of religious pluralism
- Protection of migrant children
- Migration, development, and integration
- Global displacement

The Summer School offers a comprehensive exploration of professional, legal, social, scientific, and academic perspectives through theoretical lectures, group discussions, dynamic case studies, individual readings, and practical exercises. The faculty of the Summer School comprises leading scholars and academics from John Cabot University and other universities, along with representatives from the United Nations system, international human rights bodies, and civil society.

1. Course methodology

Classes take place at John Cabot University Campus in Rome (Italy), Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CEST. The class schedule may be subject to change for additional activities, which will be communicated before the course begins.

Absences resulting from inadequate planning will not be considered justified. Participants will not be entitled to the certificate award, refunds, or reductions in registration fees.

2. Certificate of participation

Upon completion of the entire Summer School programme, participants will receive a certificate of participation jointly issued by the United Nations and John Cabot University. The Organizers retain the discretion to consider severe reasons for absences when issuing the certificate.

3. How to apply

The selection is carried out on a rolling basis.

- Application deadline: please complete and send the application form - and a scanned copy of your valid passport - to unicri.courses@un.org by 25 June 2024.
- Confirmation of acceptance: the results of the selection process will be communicated via e-mail within 1 week following receipt of the application.
- Payment deadline: full payment has to be finalized within 1 week following confirmation of acceptance (i.e. candidates should provide UNICRI with proof of payment via e-mail to unicri.courses@un.org).


4. Applicants requiring a VISA (IMPORTANT)

Those applicants requiring a visa are suggested to submit an early application (preferably by 31 March 2024) and notify the Summer School’s Administrative Office of this circumstance. The visa shall be issued by the competent Italian Diplomatic Authorities in the countries of nationality or residence of participants or the Visa Application Center.

Please consider that booking an appointment with the competent Italian Diplomatic Authorities or the Visa Application Center may take up to 3 months and issuing a visa takes approximately 30 days. Neither UNICRI nor JCU can be held accountable in case of visa refusal.

Course leader

UNICRI is one of the 6 training and research institutes of the UN System, which over the years has developed a sound expertise in research and training, reflected in the organization of capacity-building activities and specialized postgraduate courses.

Target group

University graduates in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Social Science, and other relevant disciplines. It is also suitable for young professionals working in governmental institutions, local authorities, international and non-governmental organizations, seeking to deepen their understanding of current human rights issues affecting migrants. Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

- Hold a three-year university degree from an internationally recognized university in one of the mentioned areas; and
- Have a strong command of the English language.

Applications from students expecting to graduate at the end of the 2023/24 academic year will also be considered.

Course aim

By attending the course in person at JCU’s beautiful campuses in the heart of Rome, participants will have the unique opportunity to interact with internationally recognized experts and peers from around the world, exchange views and opinions and build lasting professional relationships. This experience promotes intercultural dialogue and deepens understanding of some of the world’s most complex and debated issues.

Fee info

USD 1100: 1,100 US Dollars

Registration fees includes:

- Tuition
- Course material

Scholarships

NA