ES/SO/PO 363 - The Human Right to Migration

IES ABROAD’s Global Pillars- Sustainable Living, Equitable Living, and Human Well-Being- Integrate most of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). The Global Pillars Courses utilize these pillars as a reference framework to adopt a problem-based learning methodology and to build a multidisciplinary learning community. The Human Right to Migration course focuses on the Equitable Living Pillar and challenges students to study the complex issue of the right to migration to Italy and Rome, using the legal framework of the European Human Rights Convention, the (CJEU), and Italy’s immigration policies.

“Migration is a fact of life, a defining feature of humanity – and above all a positive phenomenon, enriching societies & economies. Whether their movement is voluntary or forced, formally authorized or not – all human beings must have their rights respected & dignity upheld.” – Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General

There is a common, erroneous perception that international migration is threatening due to the sheer number of immigrants as well as the financial impact or risk immigrants may pose to a nation’s ability to care for or sustain its citizens. However, according to the latest data, less than 4% of people move permanently from their country of origin and global remittances are over 700 billion dollars (UN, 2022). In simple terms, there are not only fewer migrants than common perception would lead one to believe but also, they are responsible for generating a tremendous amount of wealth. This gap in public perception and data presents an opportunity for a more nuanced and informed consideration of both contemporary migration and the history of migration, while recognizing the basic human right to move. This course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the social and labor market inclusion of beneficiaries of international protection in Italy and in Rome. By analyzing the social, economic, and political factors influencing their integration, the course aims to provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities, particularly Target 10.7, which calls for facilitating safe, regular, and responsible migration through well-managed migration policies.

The course aims at fostering a multi-disciplinary learning environment by connecting students to the expertise of IES faculty and practitioners in the realm of immigrant integration. Through project-based learning, students will be able to apply global frameworks such as the SDGs and the Human Rights Declaration to local challenges around migration through an interdisciplinary approach, including diversity, social and cultural integration. Students will be asked to identify the most pressing challenges around the migrant integration in their host city and apply methods and tools based on the current working methodology used by NGOs and other social entities. Working in small interdisciplinary teams, they will develop an innovative project proposal that can offer solutions to an identified challenge, taking into account the economic, historical and social characteristics of their host city. Each student will be part of a greater learning community, guided by faculty and local stakeholders who are working to address these challenges.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will earn a micro-credential in Equitable Living and project development that will demonstrate their literacy around the topic and their ability to find innovative solutions to complex problems.