Deadline for application: 29 June 2026

International migration and human mobility are among the most pressing policy and security challenges of our time. Recent United Nations frameworks emphasise the urgent need for a migration governance  firmly grounded in international human rights norms, while also addressing legitimate security concerns related to border management, transnational crime, and the protection of both communities and migrants. These frameworks call for expanding safe and regular pathways, protecting vulnerable groups, and stronger international cooperation to respond effectively to forced displacement, mixed migration flows, climate-related mobility, and relocation arising from protracted crises.

These global dynamics are reflected in the scale and complexity of contemporary displacement. According to the 2024 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Global Trends, over 123 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, persecution, human rights violations, and events seriously disturbing public order. This figure includes over 42 million refugees and others in need of international protection, 73.5 million internally displaced people (IDPs), and 8.4 million asylum seekers. In addition, 4.4 million people remain stateless, denied nationality and consequently deprived of fundamental rights such as access to education, health care, lawful employment, and freedom of movement.

At the same time, transnational trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants continue to represent highly lucrative criminal activities, with routes affecting all regions of the world. According to the Observatory on Smuggling of Migrants of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the financial value of migrant smuggling by sea along the Central Mediterranean Route in 2023 is estimated at US$290–370 million. Meanwhile, the 2024 Global Report on Human Trafficking recorded a troubling 25% increase in the detection of victims and identified 436 cross-border trafficking flows involving 162 nationalities across 128 destination countries.

Migration governance is also being reshaped by the rapid development of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), which are increasingly employed in border management, biometric identification, risk profiling, and case processing. While these tools may enhance efficiency and support humanitarian coordination, they also raise significant human rights concerns. Without robust legal, ethical, and accountability safeguards, there is a real risk of privacy violations, algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and weakened due process guarantees.

Public debate on migration is further complicated by the spread of disinformation, misinformation and malinformation, especially through the internet and social media,  fueling harmful narratives that portray migrants as security threats or social burdens. In this context, new technologies can support the dissemination of counter-narratives grounded in evidence, human rights, and accurate data, which are increasingly recognized as essential tools to counter polarization, challenge stereotypes, and foster more informed and constructive public discourse on migration.

The 11th Summer School on Migration and Human Rights will be delivered from 13 to 17 July 2026 in Rome by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and John Cabot University (JCU). This intensive programme examines the legal, policy, social, and technological dimensions of migration governance and rights protection. 

Throughout the course, participants will engage with a range of key issues. Some of the topics that will be addressed include:

• International human rights, humanitarian, migration, anti-trafficking, and asylum laws

• Rights of asylum seekers and refugees under international and European law

• Irregular migration: balancing human rights and security

• Migrant protection and assistance

• Right to health for migrants and refugees

• Protection of migrant children

• Interreligious dialogue and the social inclusion of migrants and refugees

• Migration, development, and integration

• AI and digital border management: human rights implications

• Algorithmic decision-making in migration systems

• Disinformation, public narratives on migration, and counter-narratives

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. Professionals working in governmental bodies, local authorities, as well as international and non-governmental organisations who wish to deepen their understanding of contemporary migration dynamics, policies, and challenges, including the human rights issues affecting migrants, can benefit from the course.

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.