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Summer School on Migration and Human Rights, 10th Edition, 7-11 July 2025, Rome (Italy) Section Banner

Summer School on Migration and Human Rights, 10th Edition, 7-11 July 2025, Rome (Italy)

Summer School on Migration and Human Rights, 10th Edition, 7-11 July 2025, Rome (Italy) Section Banner

Summer School on Migration and Human Rights, 10th Edition, 7-11 July 2025, Rome (Italy)

 

Deadline for application: 23 June 2025

 

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 Organization (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 organized crime networks and terrorist organizations.

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 recognized 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

 

1. Relevant information

 Dates

 7-11 July 2025

 Venue

 Rome (Italy), John Cabot       University Campus

 Application deadline

 23 June 2025 (rolling basis)

 Confirmation of acceptance

 Within 1 week following receipt of  the application

 Payment deadline

 Within 1 week following confirma  tion of acceptance.

 

2. 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 suitable for young professionals working in governmental institutions, local authorities, international and non-governmental organizations, seeking to deepen their understanding of current human rights issues affecting migrants. Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Hold a three-year university degree from an internationally recognized university in one of the mentioned areas; and

  • Have a strong command of the English language.

Applications from students expecting to graduate at the end of the 2024/25 academic year will also be considered.

 

3. Course methodology

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

 

4. How to apply

The selection is carried out on a rolling basis.

  • Application deadline:  please complete and send the application form - and a scanned copy of your valid passport - to unicri.courses@un.org by 23 June 2025.

  • Confirmation of acceptance: the results of the selection process will be communicated via e-mail within 1 week following receipt of the application.

  • Payment deadline: full payment must be finalized within 1 week following confirmation of acceptance (i.e. candidates should provide UNICRI with proof of payment via e-mail to unicri.courses@un.org).

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM

 

5. Applicants requiring Visa (IMPORTANT)

Those applicants requiring a visa are suggested to submit an early application (preferably by 31 March 2025) and notify the Summer School’s Administrative Office of this circumstance. The visa shall be issued by the competent Italian Diplomatic Authorities in the countries of nationality or residence of participants or the Visa Application Center.

Please consider that booking an appointment with the competent Italian Diplomatic Authorities or the Visa Application Center may take up to 3 months and issuing a visa takes approximately 30 days. Neither UNICRI nor JCU can be held accountable in case of visa refusal.

 

6. Registration fees

1,200 US Dollars

Registration fees include:

  • Tuition

  • Course material

 

7. Cancellation of refunds

In the event of participant cancellation for any reason, including visa denial, registration fees are non-refundable.

 

8. Accomodation

Accommodation is available as follows:

Double/Triple room – 8-night accommodation at the John Cabot University Housing facility.

Check-in and check-out:

  • Check-in: Friday, 4 July 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

  • Check-out: Saturday, 12 July 2025 by 12:00 p.m. (noon)

Check-in outside of the designated time frame is not permitted. Check-in on Saturday and Sunday is not allowed. Exceptionally, check-in on Saturday will be allowed only upon request and approval. Please refrain from purchasing any flight/train ticket before receiving approval from the Summer School Administrative Office.

Check-out outside the designated time frame is not permitted, and there is no option to extend the stay at the end of the programme.

Deadlines

Application deadline: 15 May 2025

Payment deadline: 1 June 2025

How to apply

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

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

Please enter the 'Program code': UNICRISUM2025 to complete the registration before submitting the housing application online.

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

Accommodation fees

  • 350 Euro per person

Prices are for double/triple rooms in shared apartments. All costs must be paid in advance upon online registration (further details on the registration process will be provided by the Organizers via email upon acceptance to the Summer Course).

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 2025. In the event of a participant cancellation after 15 June 2025, for any reason, including visa denial and health issues, accommodation fees will not be refunded.

 

9. Certificate of participation

Upon completion of the entire Summer School programme, participants will receive a certificate of participation jointly issued by the United Nations and John Cabot University. The Organizers retain the discretion to consider severe reasons for absences when issuing the certificate.

 

10. Contacts

Email: unicri.courses@un.org (please indicate “Migration” in the subject of the email)

Tel: (+39) 06 6789 907

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Transnational Crime and Justice 17 November 2025 – 26 June 2026 Section Banner

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Transnational Crime and Justice 17 November 2025 – 26 June 2026

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Transnational Crime and Justice 17 November 2025 – 26 June 2026 Section Banner

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Transnational Crime and Justice 17 November 2025 – 26 June 2026

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Upace logo

 

 

 
 

 

Deadline for application: 3 August 2025

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Transnational Crime and Justice, jointly organized by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and by the University for Peace (UPEACE), is designed for professionals and university graduates wishing to specialize in the fields of international law dimensions of peace and conflicts, transnational crimes and transitional justice, humanitarian law, international criminal law and procedure, and international human rights law.

Depending on each student’s background and interest, the programme is functional for careers in the legal and political sectors both at a national and international level as well in further academic studies.

Through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical exercises selected students will acquire:

  • in-depth knowledge on the theoretical and practical aspects related to the investigation and adjudication of international crimes and human rights violations;

  • overall comprehension of the functioning of international criminal tribunals, special and hybrid courts and their legacy to national courts;

  • familiarity with the principle of rule of law and thorough understanding of the interdisciplinary processes and mechanisms related to transitional justice and justice reform in post-conflict situations and countries in transitions;

  • unique insights into the policies and tools of the United Nations, other international organizations as well as national bodies for the prevention, investigation, control and punishment of transnational organized crime and transnational crimes, including corruption, trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, environmental crimes, terrorism, and cybercrime.

The academic curriculum of the Master programme is divided into two phases:

  • Distance-learning Phase: 17 November 2025 – 9 January 2026

  • Residential Phase: 28 January 2026 – 26 June 2026

The Graduation Project, at the end of the residential phase, will consist in a Moot Court simulation that will help students to refine their skills in written and oral courtroom advocacy on selected matters of substantive international criminal law.

The Graduation Ceremony will take place on 10 July 2026.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be awarded an LL.M. degree officially issued by the University for Peace.

The residential phase of the programme is held in the unparalleled setting of the United Nations Campus in Turin, Italy. The Campus is located on 10 hectares of riverside parkland and hosts other national and international organizations such as the ITC-ILO and UNSSC. Under regular circumstances, it annually runs more than 450 programmes and projects involving approximately 11,000 people from over 180 countries, also offering to its guests’ leisure, dining, and sports facilities.

Below is a brief description of the Organizers:

UNICRI is one of the main training and research institutes of the UN System. It was established in 1968 and is mandated to support countries worldwide in preventing crime and promoting criminal justice. Over the years the Institute has developed a sound expertise in research and training, which is reflected in the organization of several capacity-building activities and specialized postgraduate courses.

UPEACE headquartered in Costa Rica, is a Treaty Organization established in 1980 through an International Agreement approved by the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 35/55, and has the mandate “to provide humanity with an international institution of higher education for peace and with the aim of promoting among all human beings the spirit of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, to stimulate cooperation among peoples and to help lessen obstacles and threats to world peace and progress, in keeping with the noble aspirations proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations”. By virtue of the mandate granted to it by Article 15 of the Charter of the University for Peace, annexed to the International Agreement Establishing the University for Peace, UPEACE conducts master’s and Doctorate Degree programmes in fields that promote peace and security.

Please download the Application Form for the LL.M. 2025 – 2026 below

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

 

 

Deadlines – 2025/2026
       Deadline for applications           3 August 2025 (rolling basis)
       Offer to wait-listed applicants            From 8 September 2025
       Confirmation or cancellation of the course            29 September 2025

 

The selection is carried out on a rolling basis; applicants will be notified of the results of the selection process via e-mail within 7 working days of the submission of their application. Please note that, if you are offered a place, you will have 3 days to accept the offer (from the date of the confirmation email), and after that, you will have 10 days to complete the payment. Applicants who are not selected after the first review are placed on a waiting list.

Wait-listed applicants will be informed of the final outcome of the selection starting from 8 September. If selected, applicants will be given 2 days to accept the offer (from the date of the confirmation email) and 5 days to complete the payment. In light of the above, we strongly advise students to plan for the payment of the fees already at the time of the application. These deadlines cannot be postponed and payment in multiple instalments is not allowed.

LL.M. Office Contacts

E-mail: unicri.llm@un.org;  Tel.: (+39) 011 6537 157 - (+39) 011 6537 111

Postal address: LL.M. in Transnational Crime and Justice, UNICRI, Viale Maestri del Lavoro, 10 - 10127 - Torino ITALY

 

Structure and Content

The LL.M. is characterized by an interdisciplinary academic strategy that integrates theory and practice, favours active exchange of ideas, and furthers the comparative and critical thinking skills of the students.

The academic curriculum of the programme unfolds in two phases:

During the Distance-learning Phase (17 November 2025 – 9 January 2026), students will have access to the online platform of the LL.M. Programme, on which, in addition to self-study, they will have to attend webinars, carry out group projects and other interactive activities with the support of a tutor. At the end of this phase, an exam is foreseen.

The Residential Phase (28 January 2026 – 26 June 2026) comprises theoretical lectures, seminars and practical exercises including workshops, simulations, study visits, moot courts and other activities led by prominent subject-matter experts and scholars and organized in cooperation with international organizations, NGOs, research institutions and entities belonging to the UN System. The international group of selected students will be attending classes both in the morning and in the afternoon (full-time commitment for 6 class hours a day/4-5 days a week) at the UN Campus. Attendance is compulsory in order to be awarded the degree.

The Graduation Project, at the end of the residential phase, will consist of a Moot Court simulation that will help students refine their skills in written and oral courtroom advocacy on selected matters of substantive international criminal law. The Graduation will take place on 10 July 2026.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have acquired in-depth and up-to-date knowledge on the main subjects around which the global debate on international and transnational crime and justice articulates:

  • International Law Dimensions of Peace and Conflicts, including transitional justice and peacekeeping operations;

  • Transnational organized crime and transnational crimes, including corruption, trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, environmental crime, terrorism, and cybercrime; 

  • Global efforts to strengthen the rule of law and justice reform in developing democracies and post-conflict environments, including corrections;

  • International Humanitarian Law;

  • International Criminal Law and International Criminal Procedure;

  • International Human Rights Law;

  • Public International Law;

  • Criminal Law and Procedure in a Comparative Perspective.

The programme further envisages dedicated sessions on career guidance and professional development, including reference to the UN System. Students will have the opportunity to interact with human resources specialists and participate in an outreach session led by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, which might select students for individual meetings.

The selected students, in order to be awarded the final Master of Laws Degree worth 40 UPEACE credits (equivalent to 40 US credits/60 ECTS), need to:

a. receive passing marks in all the assessments and foreseen exams and

b. meet the minimum average of attendance by attending at least 2/3 of each weekly schedule and at least 75% of the total residential schedule over a two-month period.

 

Tuition Fees and exemptions

Tuition fees

Tuition fees amount to USD 13,000.

Please note that:

  • Tuition fees do not cover additional expenses such as those related to VISA, travel, food, and accommodation.

  • Tuition fees are non-refundable under any circumstances including rejection of VISA applications.

  • The only event under which tuition fees will be refunded is the cancellation of the course by its organizers.

  • Applicants receiving an offer for the 2025 – 2026 edition of the LL.M. cannot defer it to the following academic year.

Selected candidates will be notified of the results of the selection process within 7 working days of the submission of their application. They are then required to confirm their attendance within 3 days and finalize their payment within 10 days.

Wait-listed applicants will be given 2 days to accept the offer (from the date of the confirmation email) and 5 days to complete the payment. In light of the above, we strongly advise students to plan for the payment of the fees already at the time of the application. These deadlines cannot be postponed and payment in multiple instalments is not allowed.

Fee Exemptions

A limited number of fee exemptions may be available. Please indicate and motivate your request for a fee exemption in the application form. Candidates will be informed in the course of the selection process about the availability of such exemptions, which will be awarded only at the end of the selection process.

Cancellation Policy

UNICRI and UPEACE reserve the right to cancel the programme due to low enrolment or unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be notified by 29 September 2025 of any change in the programme. If the programme is cancelled by the organizers, tuition fees will be reimbursed to participants.

In case of cancellation, the organizers will not be liable for any loss, including travel and accommodation costs suffered by or on behalf of any person who wished to attend the course.

 

Study Visa and Practical Information

Study Visa

To enter Italy, all non-EU citizens must have a valid passport and Study Visa issued by the competent Italian Diplomatic Authorities in their country of nationality or residence. The Study Visa must be valid for the entire duration of the LL.M.

The LL.M. Office, upon selection and finalization of the payment, will issue an official Acceptance Letter that students may use to schedule an appointment at the local Italian Diplomatic Authority to obtain the study Visa.

Since this is a lengthy procedure, which may take approximately 60 days, we highly recommend non-EU applicants to gain detailed information on their countries' specific study visa requirements as soon they submit the LL.M. application.

Residence Permit

Non-EU citizens entering Italy with a Study Visa must apply for a residence permit ("Permesso di soggiorno") within 8 days of their arrival. Detailed information on the procedure and documents required for the Permesso di Soggiorno will be provided only to selected candidates upon acceptance and support will be provided to students upon their arrival in Turin.

Insurance and Health Care

When applying for a Study Visa before leaving your country, you may be required to provide evidence of your capability to cover all possible expenses related to medical assistance.

Detailed information on the procedure and documents required for the issuance of a health insurance will be provided to selected candidates upon acceptance.

Competent Italian Diplomatic Authorities abroad (Rappresentanze italiane all'estero)

To identify the competent Italian Diplomatic Authority responsible for processing all requests concerning the Study Visa in relation to the LL.M. please refer to the following link: 

Useful Link: MAE About VISA

Useful Link: MIUR – Study Visa

 

Useful Links

 

UN Campus:

ITC-ILO: www.itcilo.org/en/the-centre/the-turin-campus

City of Turin:

Città di Torino:

www.comune.torino.it/en/

A City to Discover:

www.comune.torino.it/www2/brochure/eng/

Study in Piemonte:

www.studyinpiemonte.it

Torinoplus:

www.comune.torino.it/torinoplus/english/

Turismo Torino:

www.turismotorino.org/index.aspx

Accommodation:

 http://torino.sportellocasapiemonte.it/en-us/home-page.aspx?idC=61681&LN=en-US

https://www.airbnb.it/s/Torino--Italia?s_tag=u5Pwrjc3

http://www.subito.it/annunci-piemonte/affitto/camere-posti-letto/

http://torino.bakeca.it/annunci/offro-camera/

 

 

Faculty

The Faculty of the Master of Laws in Transnational Crime and Justice is composed by international academics, experts and practitioners.

UPEACE will contribute to the programme through its distinguished faculty members that, over the years, have included:

Juan Carlos Sainz-Borgo – Vice Rector of UPEACE; Former Associate Professor of International Law at the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas and Professor of Humanitarian International Law at the Universidad Sergio Arboleda in Bogota (Colombia); Former Fulbright Visiting Professor at the Washington College of Law at American University (USA); Former Jurist to the Regional Delegation of Venezuela and the Caribbean of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Mihir Kanade – Head of the Department of International Law and Human Rights at UPEACE and Director of the UPEACE Human Rights Centre; Member of the UN Human Rights Council’s Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development, Former lawyer in the Supreme Court of India and the Bombay High Court, focusing on issues of fundamental human rights violations; Adjunct faculty at Universidad Alfonso XI El Sabio (Spain), Long Island University (USA), and Universidad de Los Andes (Colombia).

Mariateresa Garrido - Assistant Professor in the Department of International Law at the University for Peace (UPEACE) and the Doctoral Program Coordinator

External Lecturers and Keynote speakers that have joined our Faculty over the years include:

Fatou Bensouda – Former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) 2012-2021.

Adama Dieng – Former Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary General on the Prevention of Genocide; Former Registrar for International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).

Alice Wairimu Nderitu - Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary General on the Prevention of Genocide

Navi Pillay – Judge ad hoc on the International Court of Justice (ICJ); President of the Advisory Council of the Nuremberg Principles Academy (Nuremberg, Germany); President of The International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP); Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; Former President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR); Former Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Guido Acquaviva – Lecturer, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (Geneva, Switzerland); Deputy Registrar, Kosovo Specialist Chambers; Former Chef de Cabinet, Office of the President, Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL); Former Legal Officer, International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Tamás Ádány – Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Public International Law, Pázmány Péter Catholic University (Budapest, Hungary).

Rosario Salvatore Aitala – Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Kai Ambos – Lecturer, Georg August Göttingen University (Göttingen, Germany); Judge, Kosovo Specialist Chambers; Advisor, (amicus curiae) Colombian Special Jurisdiction for Peace.

Elena Atzeni – RSD Associate, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Ghenadie Barba – Chief, Rule of Law Unit, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Office for Democratic Institution and Human Rights.

Gabriele Baratto – Senior Researcher, eCrime, Faculty of Law and Institute of Safety and Security Sciences, University of Trento (Trento, Italy).

Stefano Betti – International Consultant; Former Senior Counsel (Illicit Trafficking), INTERPOL.

Adám Békés – Associate Professor, Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedural Law and Enforcement, Pázmány Péter Catholic University (Budapest, Hungary).

Chris Black – Legal Officer, Pre-trial Chamber, Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL); Former Regional Legal Adviser, Red Cross International Committee (ICRC).

Abigail Bridgman – Member of California Bar and United States District Court of Northern California (USA); Former Assistant to Counsel at International Criminal Court (ICC).

Emiliano Buis – Professor of Ancient Greek (Department of Classics) and of International Law (Law School) at the University of Buenos Aires (Buenos Aires, Argentina).

Nicolò Bussolati – Criminal Lawyer; Consultant in Legal and Cyber Issues; International Criminal Law Specialist.

Paolo Campana – University Lecturer in Criminology and Complex Networks, Cambridge University (Cambridge, UK); Former Research Fellow at the Extra-Legal Governance Institute, Department of Sociology, University of Oxford (Oxford, UK); Former Fellow of Nuffield College, University of Oxford (Oxford, UK).

Salvatore Cannata – Case Analyst, Eurojust; Former Legal Officer, UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate.

Linda Carter – Distinguished Professor of Law Emerita, Mc George School of Law, University of Pacific (Sacramento, USA).

Stephanie Chaban – Regional Advisor on gender equality and women's empowerment, ‎UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (New York, USA).

Elena Dal Santo – Programme Management Officer, UNICRI

Mark Dietrich – Vice-President, East-West Management Institute (EWMI) (Geneva, Switzerland).

Andrea Di Nicola – Associate Professor of Criminology and Scientific Coordinator of eCrime, Faculty of Law, and Institute of Safety and Security Sciences, University of Trento (Trento, Italy).

Reinhold Gallmetzer – Appeals Counsel, Office of the Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (ICC).

Laura Guercio – Coordinator of the Universities Network for Promoting the Rights of Children in Armed Conflicts; Professor of Sociology, University of Perugia (Perugia, Italy); Secretary General at the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Human Rights at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Rome, Italy).

Fabricio Guariglia – Director Prosecutions Division, International Criminal Court (ICC).

Nobuo Hayashi – Associate Senior Lecturer, Swedish Defence University (Stockholm, Sweden); Senior Legal Advisor, International Law and Policy Institute (Oslo, Norway); Visiting Professor on International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Law, International University of Japan (Niigata, Japan).

Gary Hill (recently passed) - Member of the Board and Training Chair, International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA); Scientific Coordinator of the International Scientific and Professional Advisory Council, the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network (PNI); Chief Executive Officer, CEGA Services (Lincoln, USA) operating in Haiti, Rwanda and Kosovo.

Princess Inyang Okokon – Cultural Mediator; President of the PIAM NGO: Project for Integration and Welcoming of Immigrants (Asti, Italy).

John-Mark Iyi – Director, African Centre for Transnational Criminal Justice (ACTCJ), University of the Western Cape (Cape Town, South Africa).

Patricia Janega – International Trainer, Facilitator and Intercultural Expert, International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ILO); Intercultural Communications Trainer, Intercultures (Berlin, Germany).

Kristiina Kangaspunta – Former Chief of the Crime Research Section, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNOCD); Former Deputy Director, United Nations Interregional Crime and Research Institute (UNICRI).

Greig Klein – Assistant Professor, Institute of Security and Global Affairs, Leiden University

Joanna Korner – Judge International Criminal Court (ICC), former Senior Legal Adviser to the Chief Prosecutor of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Theodore Leggett – Research Officer, Crime Research Section, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Nicola Lettieri – Alternate Judge in the Trial Chamber of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).

Carola Lingaas-Louwerse – Lecturer, University of Oslo, Law Faculty (Oslo, Norway).

Marco Lombardi – Lecturer and Director of the Sociology Department of the Catholic University of Sacro Cuore (Milan, Italy).

Marina Lostal Becerril – Senior Lecturer in Public International Law and Human Rights, University of Essex (Colchester, UK).

Vittoria Luda di Cortemiglia – Senior Project Manager, Sustainable Cycles Programme (SCYCLE) co-hosted by United Nations University (UNU) and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

Antonio Giovanni Luzzi – Programme Management Officer, Implementation Support Section III, Terrorism Prevention Branch, Division for Treaty Affairs, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Paula Lynch – Associate Legal Officer, Defence Office, Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).

Elena Maculan – Postdoctoral researcher at UNED (Madrid, Spain); Visiting Research Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg and University of Göttingen (Germany).

Nicolas Mansfield – Director of Legal Programs, East-West Management Institute (EWMI) (Geneva, Switzerland).

Francesco Marone – Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Teramo, Italy; Associate Research Fellow, ISPI - Italian Inst. for International Political Studies

Lt. Col. Gianluca Mascherano – Military Researcher, Post-Conflict Operations Study Centre (PCOSC), Italian Army (Turin, Italy); Lecturer of Stabilization and Reconstruction Orientation Course, University of Turin (Turin, Italy).

Paolina Massidda – Principal Counsel, Office of Public Council for Victims (OPCV), International Criminal Court (ICC).

Col. Paolo Mazzuferi – Director the Post-Conflict Operations Study Centre (PCOSC), Italian Army (Turin, Italy).

Peter McCloskey – Former Senior Trial Attorney, Office of the Prosecutor, International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

John McManus - Senior Legal Officer, Commission for International Justice and Accountability (CIJA).

Deirdre Montgomery – Attorney at Law; Solicitor (England & Wales); Legal Officer at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).

Yasmin Naqvi – Legal Officer in Chambers at International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Wendy Ann O’Brien – Legal Officer, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); Associate Professor, Deakin University (Melbourne, Australia).

Marie O’Leary – Attorney-at-Law, Legal Adviser/Counsel, Office of Public Counsel for the Defence of the International Criminal Court (ICC-OPCD).

William O’Neill – UN Independent Expert on Human Rights in Haiti. Former Senior Advisor on Human Rights to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General at UN Mission in Kosovo. Former Chief of Mission at UN Human Rights Field Operation in Rwanda.

Francesca Paltenghi – Protection Associate, UNHCR

Niccoló Pons – Associate Legal Officer, Chambers of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers; Former Associate Legal Officer, Trial Chamber Extraordinary Chambers in the Court of Cambodia (ECCC); Former Associate Legal Officer, Pre-Trial Division, Chambers, International Criminal Court (ICC).

Ola Quarnstrom – Officer, Rule of Law Unit, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Office for Democratic Institution and Human Rights.

Gregory Townsend – Former Chief of the Court Support Services Section, International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY); Former Prosecutor, UN Mission to Kosovo; Former Head of Office, Special Court for Sierra Leone (STL).

Bakhtiyar Tuzmukhamedov – Member of the Committee Against Torture (CAT); Former Judge in the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and for Rwanda (ICTR).

Rod Rastan – Legal Advisor, Jurisdiction, Complementarity and Cooperation Division, Office of the Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (ICC).

Alice Riccardi – Senior Research Fellow in International Law, University of Roma Tre (Rome, Italy).

Jacopo Roberti di Sarsina – Member of the Legal Service (RELEX Team), European Commission.

Pubudu Sachitananadan – Trial Lawyer, International Criminal Court (ICC).

Ania Salinas Cerda – Legal Officer, International Criminal Court (ICC).

Carlotta Sami – Senior Regional Public Information Officer, Spokesperson at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

James Shaw – Senior Legal Officer, UNICRI

Karine Simonsen – Officer, Rule of Law Unit, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Office for Democratic Institution and Human Rights.

Davyth Stewart – Coordinator, Global Forestry Enforcement and Pollution Crime Unit, INTERPOL. James Stewart – Deputy Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (ICC).

Leif Villadsen – Acting Director, UNICRI

William Wiley – Executive Director, Commission for International Justice and Accountability (CIJA); Former International Legal Advisor, Iraqi High Tribunal; Former Human Rights Officer, UN Assistance Mission to Iraq; Former Investigator, International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR); Former Intelligence Analyst, International Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

 

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold at least a 3-year university degree issued by an internationally recognized university in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Criminology, Social Sciences, or equivalent academic subjects.

  • Full proficiency in written and spoken English. Please note that a good command of English is essential. During the course of the programme, students will be asked to actively engage in class activities, draft documents, analyze case files and legal documents, discuss practical scenarios and work in groups.

Although a certificate of English knowledge is not required, proficiency score ranges from the below internationally recognized certificates are suggested to be equal to or above the following:

 International TOEFL

  • Paper-based: 575

  • Computer-based: 230

  • Internet-based: 90

IELTS (academic module):

  • Minimum score of 6.5

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English:

  • Grades A, B, C

Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English:

  • Grades A, B

The programme’s coordination officers may arrange phone interviews to assess the linguistic competencies of candidates before the selection is finalized.

For additional information on the required documents to apply to the LL.M., please visit the relevant section.

 

Selection Process

All applicants will be evaluated and admitted based on the merits of their application, which will be assessed against the following criteria:

  • Academic background and achievements

  • Professional experience

  • Professional training received

  • Motivation letter

The organizers retain the possibility to hold an interview with applicants.

The selection process will be carried out on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified on the results of the selection process via e-mail within 7 working days of submission of application.

If a candidate receives an offer for the current edition of the LL.M., such offer cannot be deferred. The same applies also if the candidates have finalized the payment of tuition fee.

 

How to Apply

Applicants will need to submit a duly completed application form (in MS Word format only) and send it, together with all the documents listed below, to the following email address: unicri.llm@un.org:

  • Motivation letter, a personal statement explaining why you are interested in this particular programme and outlining any relevant experience you have. The statement should be written in English and not exceed one page.

  • Curriculum Vitae in English.

  • Scanned copy of passport reproducing only the personal details and photo page(s).

  • Official English certificate if available (see section on entry requirements and item number 10 of the application form).

  • An official copy of the bachelor’s diploma in its original language issued by the competent University.

  • An official certified translation of the above diploma into English if the original document(s) is issued in another language. *

  • An official copy of the university transcript(s) of records of all the university studies completed or ongoing in the original language issued by the competent University. The official transcript of records must include the following information: full titles of all the courses completed throughout the degree; dates of completion of each course (or at the very least the overall time spent to complete the entire programme); grades obtained; credits awarded; and information on the grading scale.

  • An official certified translation of the above transcript(s) of records into English if the original document(s) is issued in another language.

  • Any other document that Italian Embassies may require in order to issue study visa. Once selected, you are kindly requested to ask for relevant information to the Italian Embassy.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM   

Please note that the submitted application is valid for the 2025 – 2026 edition of the LL.M. only. If you are not selected and wish to apply for the forthcoming edition of the same programme, you may submit a new application as soon as the new call for applications is open. UNICRI reserves the right to reject an application if the scanned documents are of such a quality that the documents cannot be read.

*The official certified translation of the university diploma(s) and transcript(s) of records are issued by the National Competent Authority of the country where the student has conducted his/her studies according to national regulations.

 

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to a Ph.D programme after completing this LL.M?

Firstly, you should check the specific entry requirements of the Ph.D. programme that you intend to apply to. The LL.M. in Transnational Crime and Justice provides you with a legally recognized LL.M. diploma worth 40 credits equal to 40 UPEACE credits, equal to 40 US credits/60 ECTS.

What services will be available to students during the LL.M.?

Participants are granted access to specialized electronic resources to which UNICRI and UPEACE subscribe as members of the UN Library Network. Such databases provide full-text access to documents and offer a comprehensive coverage of key criminological journals, law reviews and other law-related documentation. Under regular circumstances, the UN Campus offers several facilities for daily living such as a bank, a post office, a laundry service, a canteen, a café and a first aid centre.

Sightseeing, cultural activities and trips are coordinated through the Participant Services of UN Campus and students may join these tours (costs may vary, and they are not included in the tuition fees). Students may also enjoy the sport facilities of the UN campus, which includes a football pitch, tennis courts and a gym.

Is it easy to find accommodation in Turin?

Useful links through which you may start looking at accommodation in Turin can be found in the relevant section (Useful links) and further information will be provided to selected applicants upon acceptance.

Finding accommodation depends on the specific needs of each student. Students who prefer to live closer to the central area of Turin (Centro, Quadrilatero Romano, San Salvario) should generally expect to find more expensive solutions, whilst accommodations in areas that are closer to the UN Campus are usually cheaper. You can expect to pay between € 350 and € 700 per month depending on the type of accommodation you choose (i.e. shared flat, single room, double room, studio, etc.) and on the area of town.

Public transport from the city centre to the Campus area can take approximately 30 minutes.

Accommodation is also available on the ITCILO campus upon confirmation of availability.

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Section Banner

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Section Banner

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

UNICRI Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

In response to rapid advancements in digital technologies, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) opened a specialized Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics in September 2017. Located in the Hague, the Netherlands, the Centre was established with the support of the Municipality of the Hague and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Ambassador-visit
Hosting a high-level visit to UNICRI Centre for AI and Robotics in The Hague, Netherlands.

This Centre is dedicated to understanding and addressing both the opportunities and challenges of AI and related new and emerging technologies from the perspective of crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law. In terms of opportunities, the Centre explores how to leverage AI’s potential in a responsible manner in order to promote public safety and reduce crime. In terms of challenges, these same technologies may be misused by malicious actors, or misapplied by legitimate actors if used without proper safeguards.


The Centre’s activities

Through research and awareness-raising, multi-stakeholder discussions and capacity-building activities, the Centre supports national authorities and relevant representatives within the criminal justice system (law enforcement, courts and corrections) through several programmes and projects. 

AI robotics
INTERPOL and UNICRI launch the Toolkit for Responsible AI Innovation in Law Enforcement in Singapore, a set of seven practical resources and guidance documents applicable across the AI lifecycle

These projects employ several approaches and tools, including:

  • Action-oriented research
  • Knowledge development and dissemination
  • Training and technical workshops
  • Advocacy with policy- and decision-makers
  • Development and maintenance of online platforms
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UNICRI presentation at c0c0n Hacking & Cyber Briefing Conference in Kochi, India.

Some priority areas for the Centre include:

  • Building knowledge on the possible malicious use of AI by criminals and terrorist groups, as well as potential counter-measures.
  • Enhancing awareness of the threats of AI-generated or manipulated voice or video content, such as deepfakes.
  • Fostering responsible AI innovation within the law enforcement community.
  • Promoting and supporting the development of policy frameworks for the deployment of facial recognition software.
  • Exploring the development of pilot AI applications in criminal investigations, in particular to combat the rise in online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
  • Enhancing cybersecurity through the use of AI to support the detection and investigation of and protection from cyberattacks
  • Building knowledge on the use of AI in counter-terrorism, in particular in the context of terrorist use of the internet and social media
  • Analysing the possible application of AI in the administration of criminal justice and corrections administration.
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At one of the Centre's AI for Safer Children trainings for law enforcement on the use of AI and related technologies to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse, in Singapore.

Network building and the creation of strategic partnerships has also been identified as being a fundamental part to the modus operandi of the Centre’s activities and are integral to its success. In this regard, the Centre has built an extensive international network of partners that it engages for its activities and to convene expert-level meetings, training courses and workshops worldwide, as well as high-level visibility events.

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The Centre organized a panel discussion at the UN’s flagship AI for Good summit in Geneva, Switzerland, uniting representatives from law enforcement, government, AI tool developers, and international and civil society organizations.
 
Future proofing the criminal justice system

Crime prevention, criminal justice, and in particular law enforcement and national security, are areas where AI and related emerging technologies have the potential to compliment or even greatly enhance traditional techniques. Given the increasingly data-heavy nature of criminal investigations and the evolving and complex nature of criminality, the criminal justice system is a domain that can derive substantial benefit from the potential of new and emerging technologies.


AI has already been used to help law enforcement to identify and locate long-missing children, scan illicit sex ads and disrupt human trafficking rings, flag financial transactions that indicate the possibility of money laundering and protect citizens’ privacy through automating the anonymization of surveillance footage. Such technologies may find application in the courts, where they can help with efficient research on jurisprudence to identify precedents and support legal professionals with case management to ensure a timely delivery of justice.


Masked behind these benefits, however, are a range of social, ethical and legal issues that have yet to be fully explored and analysed. For instance, there are concerns surrounding data collection and violations of the right to privacy in AI development, algorithmic bias and black boxes in decision-making systems, and unforeseen outcomes such as from the autonomous use of force. Of course, there is also the ever-present risk that criminals or terrorist organizations may misuse these technologies. Indeed, with every new technology comes vulnerability to new forms of crime and threats to security. However, with proper understanding and responsible development, the Centre continues to aim to build trust and belief in AI and robotics as agents for positive change.
 

Press Start: Understanding Harms in Online Gaming Spaces

Press Start: Understanding Harms in Online Gaming Spaces
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On the margins of the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025, The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) will hold a side-event entitled, “Press Start: Understanding Harms in Online Gaming Spaces”. This side-event is organized on 17 April in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Japan and the Permanent Mission of Singapore to the United Nations.

With gaming being a central part of young people’s digital lives, the side-event will provide an opportunity to deepen the understanding of online harms in video gaming and gaming adjacent spaces. The event will highlight the need for safer, more secure and supportive digital environments in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

For millions of young people, gaming is more than just a pastime - it is a force for good; a place to connect, compete, create, and find community. However, like any online space, video game platforms and gaming-adjacent platforms can also be exploited for harmful activities. Violent extremists and terrorists exploit gamification, pop culture references, and cross-platform engagement to seamlessly infiltrate gaming communities, making detection and intervention increasingly difficult. The forms of harm are diverse, ranging from harassment, grooming, the spread of propaganda, and recruitment to terrorism. 

Convening representatives from Member States, the United Nations and civil society organizations, the event will explore emerging trends in online harms within gaming spaces and their impact on youth mental health and well-being, while underscoring the collective responsibility of gaming companies, policymakers, and civil society to act. Speakers will emphasize on fostering safer gaming environments, building digital resilience, and empowering youth through positive engagement must be a shared priority.

More information is available here.

 

Training and capacity building

UNICRI is dedicated to advancing justice, crime prevention, human rights protection and security by offering innovative post-graduate education and specialised training programmes tailored to meet evolving global challenges. Through on-campus, decentralised, and online courses, UNICRI equips professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex issues. 

Our offerings are designed to empower young professionals, law enforcement officers, judges, justice personnel, and social workers, integrating theoretical learning with practical application to enhance the rule of law and human dignity.
In collaboration with leading universities, research institutions, and global experts, UNICRI delivers cutting-edge curricula and training materials tailored to regional and national contexts. Programmes such as the LL.M. in Cybercrime and Cybersecurity and the LL.M. in Transnational Crime and Justice provide participants with specialised expertise to address pressing issues. These initiatives not only enhance professional capabilities but also foster the next generation of leaders dedicated to peace, security, and sustainable development.
UNICRI’s capacity-building initiatives go beyond traditional education by addressing emerging global threats, including the misuse of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials, environmental crime, cultural heritage protection, and the challenges posed by AI, misinformation and hate speech. By prioritising inclusive and integrative learning approaches, UNICRI prepares professionals and youth alike to contribute meaningfully to creating a safer, more just world. Whether through tailored in-country training or comprehensive LL.M. programmes and spesiclaized courses, UNICRI’s commitment to excellence in education and capacity-building ensures a lasting impact on communities worldwide. 

About Unicri

What is UNICRI?

The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) was established in 1968 pursuant to Economic and Social Council Resolution 1086 B (XXXIX) of 1965, which urged an expansion of the United Nations activities in crime prevention and criminal justice. The Institute is an autonomous institution and is governed by its Board of Trustees.

Working within the broad scope of its mandate to design and implement improved policies and actions in the field of crime prevention and control, the mission of UNICRI is to advance justice, crime prevention, security and the rule of law in support of peace, human rights and sustainable development.

UNICRI’s work focuses on Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, that is centered on promoting peaceful, just and inclusive societies, free from crime and violence. Justice, crime prevention and the rule of law are the basis for fighting poverty and reducing inequalities while enhancing economic growth and stability and protecting the environment. UNICRI supports governments and the international community at large in tackling criminal threats to social peace, development and political stability.

UNICRI' s goals are:

  • to advance understanding of crime-related problems;
  • to foster just and efficient criminal justice systems;
  • to support the respect of international instruments and other standards;
  • to facilitate international law enforcement cooperation and judicial assistance.
  • The Board of Trustees of UNICRI is composed by eminent experts. The staff cover a wide range of expertise in the management of research, specialized training and technical cooperation, and are supported by highly qualified consultants selected according to project requirements.

What we do

UNICRI's programmes aim to promote national self-reliance and the development of institutional capabilities. To this end, UNICRI provides a one-stop facility offering high-level expertise in crime prevention and criminal justice problems. Technical co-operation is enhanced by the use of action-oriented research to assist in the formulation of improved policies and concrete intervention programmes. Institutional and on-the-job training of specialized personnel form an integral part of UNICRI activities.

Areas of Action

With more than 50 years of experience, UNICRI has structured its work programmes and modus operandi in order to always be responsive to the needs of the international community. 

UNICRI works in specialized niches and selected fields of crime prevention, justice, security governance, risks and benefits of advances in technologies, counter-terrorism and social cohesion. UNICRI's programmes focus on different areas with the aim of creating and testing new and holistic approaches in preventing crime and promoting justice and development. UNICRI plays a leading role with respect to specific niches and supports/complements the work of other international organizations through its specialized and advanced services. 

The Institute's current priorities include: 

  • Artificial intelligence and robotics in the context of crime prevention and criminal justice; 
  • Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks mitigation; 
  • Cyber-crimes; 
  • Domestic violence; Environmental crimes; 
  • Illicit financial flows and asset recovery; 
  • Illicit trafficking in precious metals and gemstones; 
  • Juvenile justice; 
  • Nexus between transnational organized crime and terrorism; 
  • Protection of vulnerable populations and victims; 
  • Strengthening international criminal law; 
  • Tourism and major events security; 
  • and Violent extremism (including rehabilitation and reintegration of violent extremist offenders).

Prevention of Chemical and Biological Terrorism Section Banner

Prevention of Chemical and Biological Terrorism

Prevention of Chemical and Biological Terrorism Section Banner

Prevention of Chemical and Biological Terrorism

Chemical and biological (CB) weapons have the potential to cause great harm and represent an appealing prospect for non-state actors due to their potential to generate widespread fear. From the letters containing fatal anthrax spores sent through US postal system in 2001 to, more recently, the repeated deployment of chemical weapons against civilian populations by Da’esh between 2014 and 2016 in Iraq and Syria, these events are designed to cause major suffering and disruption.

Non-state, terrorist organizations and individuals continue to strive to produce or obtain CB weapons capable of generating mass casualties. These weapons are particularly attractive to such groups or ideologically inspired individuals around the world for multiple reasons, including the low cost and effort-to-impact ratio of a CB weapons attack, the potential to generate widespread fear among populations and the likelihood that such an attack would receive significant media coverage.

Meanwhile, the risk that individuals or terrorist organizations might use such weapons will remain high so long as knowledge about the weapons and their precursors remains easily available on the Internet and trade controls over the precursors remain weak. Equally, many biological pathogens occur naturally in the environment, making it even more important to ensure that countries are aware of the threat and have robust mitigation measures in place.

UNICRI’s response

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure and Goal 16 for the promotion of peace, justice and strong institutions, UNICRI is taking active measures to address the threat of chemical and biological terrorism.

For example, UNICRI implements national and regional training programmes that focus on intelligence-led operations and investigations to prevent CB weapons attacks by non-state actors. Equally, due to the transnational dimension of this phenomenon, UNICRI coordinates the creation of systems for the cooperation and timely exchange of information between relevant agencies (such as intelligence, law enforcement and regulatory authorities) and relevant international organizations.

UNICRI also works in collaboration with international organizations such as the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) and the Committee established pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (the 1540 Committee) to promote adherence to and implementation of the international legal regime against the acquisition and use of chemical and biological weapons by non-state actors. These include the Chemical Weapons Convention and Biological Weapons Convention.

Current initiatives and future programming

ATLAS – To address the growing chemical weapon risk in North Africa, UNICRI has launched ATLAS, a pilot project aimed at preventing violent non-state actors from planning and conducting chemical weapon attacks, with a focus on intelligence-led operations and investigations. The main objective of the project, which is implemented in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and with the financial support of the United States Department of State, is to develop and implement training curricula for law enforcement, state security, chemical regulatory authorities, industry and academia, as well as to foster interagency and regional cooperation.

Building a safer South-East Asia by preventing and responding to the use of chemical weapons by terrorists and other non-state actors in Indonesia – Implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and UNICRI in coordination with Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Terorisme and with support of the OPCW, the project’s objective is to significantly enhance the capability of Indonesian authorities to prevent, detect, and respond to the acquisition, development, and threat or use of chemical weapons by non-state actors, in particular for terrorist purposes.

 

Further information

For general information concerning the implementation of these projects, please consult the linked pages below.

Projects

ATLAS

Preventing and Responding to the Use of Chemical Weapons by Non-State Actors for Terrorist Purposes in Indonesia

Publications

Related news

ATLAS – Preventing non-state actors from planning and carrying out chemical weapons attacks through intelligence-led operations. National workshop and bilateral consultations with key stakeholders in the Republic of Tunisia

ATLAS – Preventing non-state actors from planning and carrying out chemical weapons attacks through intelligence-led operations. National workshop and bilateral consultations with key stakeholders in the Kingdom of Morocco

UNODC, UNICRI and BNPT organized inter-agency workshop to prevent chemical weapons incidents in Indonesia

 

 

Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) disinformation  Section Banner

Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) disinformation

Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) disinformation  Section Banner

Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) disinformation

Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) disinformation is intentionally misleading and deceptive information about chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, that can potentially cause serious political, financial, and physical harm to governments, international organizations, the scientific community, academia, industry, and the population at large. CBRN disinformation has become a significant problem in the last few years: false information and conspiracy theories on CBRN risks, such as exposure to toxic chemicals, infectious disease outbreaks or theft of radioactive material, can cause confusion and mistrust in governments and even jeopardize the public health response in case of emergency.

This threat has been corroborated by UNICRI who, in the last three years, has monitored and detected an exponential increase of malicious use of social media to undermine trust in governments and, at the same time, to reinforce extremist narratives, recruitment strategies and control of territory by criminal groups. Many individuals and organizations have been targeted by CBRN disinformation, with viral online and sometimes physical attacks being conducted against many stakeholders operating in the area of CBRN risk mitigation.

 

UNICRI’s response

In line with its mandate to devote special attention to emerging threats and new forms of criminal phenomena, UNICRI has been monitoring the malicious use of social media and analysing existing technology options to detect and debunk false information since 2020 with the publication of the report Stop the virus of disinformation. The Institute is now actively engaged in disseminating this knowledge in a variety of ways, by, for example, producing supplementary reports, implementing capacity building activities for CBRN stakeholders and developing training materials.

 

Current initiatives and future programming

UNICRI has launched a Centre on Disinformation to coordinate its efforts to counter CBRN disinformation. One of its first outputs is the Handbook to combat CBRN disinformation, which has been designed for individuals or agencies working in CBRN risk mitigation at different levels (communication, decision-making, managerial, operational, technical, etc.) who have been or could potentially be exposed to and targeted by disinformation. The Handbook aims at enhancing understanding of CBRN disinformation on social media while developing competencies to prevent and respond to disinformation with a specific focus on techniques for debunking false information.

Thanks to the generous funding of the European Commission, UNICRI is also currently preparing online training events for Ukraine on addressing CBRN disinformation.

 

Further information

For more information on the topic, please consult the publications below.

Publications

Related news

https://unicri.org/News/Kenya-delegation-new-areas-cbrn-risk-mitigation-2022

https://unicri.org/technology_solutions

https://unicri.org/News/Course-malicius-use-social-media-terrorists-organizedcrime

https://unicri.org/news/International-network-biotechnology-disinformation