DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL REFUGEE LAW AND MIGRATION LAW
International Refugee Law and Migration Law
For over 40 years, the International Institute of Humanitarian Law, through its Department of International Refugee Law and Migration Law, has served as a global center of excellence for those dedicated to protecting people in need. By enhancing the knowledge and skills of government and civil society officials, we move beyond traditional training to bridge the gap between international policy and humanitarian reality.
Our mission is centered on the safeguarding of human rights through high-level capacity-sharing and the horizontal exchange of expertise. We ensure that every course, workshop, and strategic dialogue is grounded in the human dimension of protection by integrating the voices and leadership of those with lived experience of displacement and statelessness directly into our instructional design. This unique, inclusive approach allows us to empower thousands of stakeholders worldwide, providing them with the practical tools and neutral space needed to respond to the evolving challenges faced by refugees, internally displaced persons, migrants, and stateless people.
What we do

Online Courses
Through our regular online program, we deliver in-depth, practical analysis through a mix of theory and real-world application. Designed as a global capacity-sharing hub, each course features 2 to 3 live sessions per week, offering a dynamic space for high-level interaction and peer-to-peer exchange with practitioners from around the world. These participatory modules are supported by an extensive resource library and an innovative learning platform, concluding with an official certificate from the Institute.

Initiatives in Sanremo
Our initiatives in Sanremo, provide a neutral space for high-level policy dialogue and international advocacy. Held at the Villa Ormond headquarters, these programs connect key protection actors through practical simulations and expert-led exchanges. Each initiative leverages our reputation for neutrality to bridge the gap between global policy and humanitarian action, offering a central hub for strategic cooperation.

In-country Initiatives
We provide tailored support based on specific needs, from strengthening existing asylum systems to supporting transitions toward state-led protection frameworks. By working directly with local authorities and partners, we deliver practical expertise in areas such as registration and Refugee Status Determination, ensuring global standards are effectively adapted to each country’s operational and policy context.

Academic Engagement
We strengthen the study of refugee protection by equipping lecturers and students with the practical tools and methodologies needed to bridge the gap between theory and humanitarian practice. Through collaborative curricula design and tailored courses, we support university networks in preparing the next generation of professionals to address evolving challenges. This engagement ensures that academic programs remain grounded in real-world situational analysis and Sanremo’s methodology.
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