Italy: Summer School on Migration and Human Rights

Overview

The migration phenomenon involves the most significant human rights issues the international community is addressing today. Understanding the plight of migrants and their painful and dangerous experience is crucial in the implementation of national and international human rights standards around the world. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs International Migration Report, approximately 244 million people reside outside their country of origin. This figure includes undocumented migrants.

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. While migrants are in transit their vulnerability is often exploited by organized-crime networks. During the journey, smugglers often expose migrants to unsafe and inhumane conditions, and fatalities occur frequently. War, poverty, persecution, environmental factors and human rights issues cause migration to areas where migrants believe they will achieve personal, religious and economic security.

To shed light on current issues related to migration UNICRI, in cooperation with John Cabot University, will deliver a one-week intensive Summer School 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. Thefaculty of the Summer Schoolis composed by leading scholars and academics from John Cabot and other universities, representatives of the United Nations system, international human rights bodies and the civil society. 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 2015 /2016 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 Gianicolo Residence.
• Check-in: Saturday 9 July 2016
• Check-out: Saturday 16 July 2016
• 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 needing accommodation in Rome are kindly invited to inform the Organizers while applying, 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.it by 28 June 2016.

• Confirmation of acceptance: the results of the selection process will be communicated via E-mail, by 30 June 2016

• Payment deadline: full payment has to be finalized, upon confirmation of acceptance, by 4 July 2016 (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 € 900, 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.it by 15 May 2016
• Confirmation of acceptance: the results of the selection process will be communicated via E-mail, by 16 May 2016
• Payment deadline: full payment has to be finalized, upon confirmation of acceptance, by 20 May 2016 (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.