JCU and UNICRI Conclude Ninth Edition of the Summer School on Migration and Human Rights

The ninth edition of the Summer School on Migration and Human Rights, organized by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), in cooperation with John Cabot University (JCU), was held at JCU from July 8 to July 12, 2024. This one-week course provided a deep dive into current issues related to international migration, attracting a diverse group of participants, including professionals, graduate students and JCU alumni, to explore this complex field. The Summer School was concluded by a ceremony that saw the distribution of certificates by JCU Dean of Academics, Professor Stefano Arnone.

Throughout the Summer School, 41 participants from 27 countries gained a comprehensive understanding of key topics such as trends in international migration, human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants, asylum and refugee protection, the plight of internal displacement, irregular migration, and the critical link between migration, development, and integration. Over five intensive days, they were guided by leading experts in the field, including academics and practitioners from the United Nations' system, international human rights bodies, and various civil society organizations.

The course combined a range of perspectives and its key feature was the emphasis on practical and interactive components. These were presented through an engaging mix of lectures, group discussions, dynamic case studies, individual readings, and practical exercises. This varied approach ensured that participants could understand the multifaceted nature of international migration from multiple angles.

This program also offered valuable networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with peers and experts from around the world. By fostering a global community of professionals, the Summer School aimed to enhance the collective understanding and management of international migration issues, ensuring participants felt better equipped to make a positive impact in their respective fields.

Victoria Brizzi, a recent JCU graduate in International Affairs, with a Minor in Legal Studies who took part in the Summer School and aims to work in the fields of human rights and humanitarian aid in the context of conflicts, said: "The UNICRI Summer School on Migration and Human Rights was a great opportunity to learn from practitioners and experts in this field. Through engaging lectures which varied from theoretical to practical, from legal to sociological, it was a truly engaging experience. What I enjoyed most was the possibility of hearing direct experiences from those working in organizations such as IOM, the IDLO, and Save the Children, which gave me perspective on what a career in this field looks like and inspired me to keep aiming for the protection of fundamental human rights internationally."