Italy: Summer School on Migration and Human Rights

Overview

International migration is a growing phenomenon involving the international community as a whole and engaging Member States in the protection of human rights. Analyzing migration as crosscutting topic and understanding the challenges faced both by migrants and Member States is crucial for the development and implementation of national policies compliant with international human rights standards. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs International Migration Report 2015, approximately 244 million people reside outside their country of origin.

Although there are numerous international legal instruments in place to ensure the protection of the human rights of migrants and refugees, violations of these rights widely occur. Indeed, migrants remain among the most vulnerable members of society and are exposed to discrimination, abuse and exploitation by transnational organized-crime networks. During the dangerous journey to cross the borders irregularly, smugglers keep migrants in unsafe and inhumane conditions, and fatalities occur frequently. Conflicts, poverty, persecution, environmental changes, instability and human rights violations are push factors for migration, and migrants head to safer areas where they can potentially express themselves, their religious and political beliefs and seek better economic opportunities.

To shed light on current issues related to migration UNICRI, in cooperation with John Cabot University, will deliver the second edition of the Summer School on Migration and Human Rights, a one-week intensive course focusing on human rights issues related to global migration. The training will offer professional, legal, social, scientific and academic perspectives.

The Summer School, which will take place at John Cabot University (Rome, Italy), couples theoretical lectures with roundtable discussions, dynamic case studies, and practical exercises. The faculty of the Summer School is composed by the following leading scholars and academics from John Cabot and other universities, representatives of the United Nations system, international human rights bodies and the civil society:

• Silvia Scarpa – Adjunct Assistant Professor of Political Science, John Cabot University
• Violeta Moreno-Lax – Founding Director, Immigration Law Programme, Queen Mary University of London, and Co-Chair, The Refugee Law Observatory
• Cristina Rapone – Rural Employment Specialist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Elisenda Estruch – Labour Economist, Social Policies and Rural Institutions Division, Economic and Social Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Linda Cottone – Associate Expert, Migration - Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants, United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI)
• Alberto Cervone – Rear Admiral (ret) Italian Navy
• Pascal Reyntjens – Chief of Mission, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Country Office for Algeria
• Pamela Harris – Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, John Cabot University
• Stefania Congia – Head of Department for Policies of Social Inclusion and Employment of Migrants and Protection of Foreign Children, Directorate-General for Immigration and Integration Policies, Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Italy
• Federico Fossi – Senior Public Information Associate, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
• Jessica Anderson – Associate Protection Officer, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
• Baryali Waiz – Cultural Mediator

In this unique learning environment, participants will have the opportunity to interact with international recognized experts, meet peers and build lasting professional relationships with young professionals and students from all over the world. This intense experience fosters intercultural dialogue and promotes a deeper understanding of some of the world’s most complex and debated issues.

Entry requirements

The course is designed for university graduates in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Social Science and other relevant disciplines. It is also addressed to young professionals working in governmental institutions, local authorities, international and non-governamental organizations seeking to deepen their understanding of current human rights issues.

Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Hold a three-year university degree issued by an internationally recognized university in one of the aforementioned areas
• Have a very good working knowledge of English

Applications from students who expect to graduate at the end of the 2016 /2017 academic year will also be considered.

Certificate of participation

Upon attendance of all the lectures and completion of the course, participants will receive a United Nations and John Cabot University certificate of participation.

A student who misses one or more classes will not receive the certificate of participation. Absence grounded on serious reasons might be considered at discretion of the Organizers.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available as follows:

• Double room - 7 nights accommodation at the John Cabot University's Lungara Apartments
• Check-in: Saturday 8 July 2017
• Check-out: Saturday 15 July 2017
• Cost per person: € 250

Prices are intended for double rooms in shared apartments. All costs shall be paid in advance upon registering online (further information on the registration process will be provided by the Organizers via email upon acceptance to the Summer Schools).

Important:Students interested in requesting accommodation at John Cabot University are kindly invited to fill-in the related section (Section G) in the application form, as the availability of rooms may vary depending on the number of requests received. The Summer School Administrative Office will assist students in all practical issues related to their staying in Rome.

How to apply

• Application deadline: please complete and send the application form, which can be downloaded here, to schools@unicri.itby 25 June 2017

• Confirmation of acceptance: the results of the selection process will be communicated via E-mail, by 26 June 2017

• Payment deadline: full payment has to be finalized, upon confirmation of acceptance, by 2 July 2017 (i.e. candidates should provide UNICRI with proof of payment via E-mail to schools@unicri.it by the same date)

Early Bird applicants

A discounted rate, amounting to 1000 USD, is offered to Early Bird applicants. In order to receive the discount, applicants must apply in accordance with the following deadlines:

• Application deadline: please complete and send the application form, which can be downloaded here, to schools@unicri.itby 7May 2017
• Confirmation of acceptance: the results of the selection process will be communicated via E-mail, by 8May 2017
• Paymentdeadline: full payment has to be finalized, upon confirmation of acceptance, by 13 May 2017 (i.e. candidates should provide UNICRI with proof of payment via E-mail to schools@unicri.it by the same date)

Applicants requiring VISA (IMPORTANT)

Those applicants requiring VISA must apply in accordance with early bird deadlines.

Please consider that it may take up to 30 days to receive a VISA from Italian Embassies and Consulates, depending on your country of origin.

The Summer School Administrative Office will provide assistance in facilitating VISA release for those who need it. For this purpose please ensure that section F of the Application Form is properly completed.