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. 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. Human rights are at the core of all UNICRI’s activities as indispensable to preventing crime and promoting justice, peace, security, and the rule of law. They are also fully embedded in John Cabot University’s mission as an American liberal arts’ institution of higher education that promotes an international educational experience based on ‘intellectual tolerance, freedom and integrity’.

According to the United Nations (UN) there are about 281 million international migrants in the world, constituting 3.6 of the global population, with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimating that 169 million are migrant workers. Forced migration is unfortunately on the rise: as reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as of mid-2024, an estimated 122.6 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, and events seriously disturbing the public order. This means one in every 67 people, remained forcibly displaced - nearly double the 1 in 114 people in this situation a decade ago. With 43.4 million refugees currently protected in Member States across the world, today’s global displacement situation is testament to the enduring relevance of the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol and of regional refugee law systems.

Finally, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) confirms that smuggling routes affect every region of the world and that, after a sharp decrease during the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of trafficking victims detected worldwide is on the rise, and that they are trafficked through an increasing number of international traveling routes. 

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 2018 adoption of two Global Compacts regarding Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and Refugees, is a clear indicator of the relevance of international migration in the global governance system.

Although the numerous international legal instruments in place to ensure the protection of human rights for migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and trafficking victims, violations frequently occur. These individuals remain among the most vulnerable members of our society, despite the potentially significant benefits of migration. They are exposed to discrimination, abuse, and exploitation by various actors, including transnational organised crime networks and terrorist organisations.

The 10th edition of the Summer School on Migration and Human Rights will be delivered in Rome from 7 to 11 July 2025 by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and John Cabot University (JCU). Participants will gain insights into a variety of concepts and topics and actively engage in discussing matters related, among other 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.

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 recognised 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

Key information

1. Entry Requirements

The course is intended for university and post-graduate students in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Social Sciences, and other related fields. It is also open to professionals working in governmental bodies, local authorities, as well as international and non-governmental organizations who wish to deepen their understanding of contemporary migration dynamics, policies, and challenges, including the human rights issues affecting migrants.

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in, or have completed, a first university degree programme (bachelor’s level or equivalent).
• Possess a strong command of the English language.

2.Course Methodology and Attendance

Classes take place at John Cabot University Campus in Rome (Italy), Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 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 who do not complete the course will not be entitled to the certificate award, refunds, or reductions in registration fee.

3.Certificate of Participation

Upon successful completion of the entire Summer School programme, participants will be awarded a certificate of participation jointly issued by the United Nations and John Cabot University. The Organizers reserve the right to take into account duly justified and exceptional reasons for absences when determining eligibility for the certificate.

4.How to Apply

Application deadline: 29 June 2026. The selection is carried out on a rolling basis.

Application Procedure

• Online application via INDICO platform (UN):

Applicants are required to register on the INDICO platform of the United Nations and submit their application exclusively through the online system. PLEASE CLICK HERE to apply.

• Required documents:
  • upload a recent photograph (which can be taken directly through the platform using the website tools)
  • upload a scanned copy of a valid passport or another valid identification document.

During the application process, candidates will be required to:

5.Selection and Acceptance

• Confirmation of acceptance:

Applicants will be notified of the selection outcome by e-mail within seven (7) days of application submission.

• Enrolment of the candidate:

Enrolment is finalised only upon receipt of full payment (see sections #6 and #7)

6.Registration Fee and Payment

The registration fee is €1,000 and includes tuition and course materials.

• Payment procedure:

Payment details will be provided upon approval. Payment is accepted by bank transfer only.

• Payment deadline:

Full payment is due within seven (7) days of confirmation of acceptance.

• Proof of payment:

Applicants must send a copy of the payment receipt to unicri.courses@un.org.

7.Refund and Cancellation Policy

In the event of a participant cancellation for any reason, including visa denial, registration fee will not be refunded.

8.Accommodation

Accommodation is available in Double/Triple rooms for an 8-night stay at the John Cabot University Housing facility.

Check-in and check-out

• Check-in: Friday, 10 July 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Check-out: Saturday, 18 July 2026 by 12:00 p.m. (noon)

Check-in outside the designated time frame is not permitted. Check-in on Saturday and Sunday is not allowed. Exceptionally, Saturday check-in may be granted upon prior request and approval. Participants are kindly requested not to purchase flight or train tickets before receiving confirmation from the Summer School Administrative Office and/or JCU Housing Office.

Late check-out is not permitted, and it is not possible to extend the stay beyond the end of the programme.

Deadlines

• Application deadline: 15 May 2026
• Payment deadline: 1 June 2026

How to apply

Participants duly enrolled in the Summer School can apply for accommodation through the JCU Program Application Portal:

https://students.johncabot.edu/register/program

Please enter the Program code: UNICRISUM2026 to complete your registration before submitting the online housing application.

The UNICRI Administrative Office will assist participants with all practical matters related to their stay in Rome.

Accommodation fees

• 350 Euro per person

The fee applies to double or triple rooms in shared apartments. Full payment is required in advance at the time of online registration. 

Cancellation and refund policy: please note that a refund of accommodation fees is only granted to participants who submit a request to the JCU Housing Office by 15 June 2026. In the event of a participant cancellation after 15 June 2026, for any reason, including visa denial and health issues, accommodation fees will not be refunded.

Accommodation Refund and Cancellation Policy
Accommodation fee is refundable only for requests submitted to the JCU Housing Office by 15 June 2026. Cancellations made after this date will not be refunded for any reason, including visa denial or health issues.

9.Visa Requirements (Important)

Applicants requiring a visa are strongly encouraged to apply early (preferably by 31 March 2026) and inform the Summer School’s Administrative Office. Visas are issued by the relevant Italian Diplomatic Authorities or Visa Application Centres. Appointments may take up to 3 months, and visa processing about 30 days.

UNICRI and John Cabot University cannot be held responsible for any delays, denials, or refusals in the issuance of visas by the relevant authorities.