28th Intensive Training on Refugee Law 2026
The 28th Intensive Training on Refugee Law, jointly organized by the René Cassin Foundation and the Representation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in France, will take place from 16 to 27 November 2026 in Strasbourg and by videoconference.
The Provisional Programme of the training is available online
Additional information on the details of the accommodation options offered, as well as a detailed information brochure, will be made available online very soon.
For any questions, please contact Ms Elsa Zimmer, Programme Officer at the René Cassin Foundation: elsa.zimmer@iidh.org
Training objectives
This training aims to enable participants to achieve the following objectives:
– To become familiar with the mandate and missions of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
– To acquire fundamental legal knowledge relating to the determination of refugee status.
– To identify current challenges that may affect refugee law (climate-related issues, mass influxes, geopolitical situations, etc.).
– To identify and analyze the difficulties that may arise in administrative and judicial procedures related to the determination of refugee status.
– To develop skills to legally assist individuals with asylum seeker, refugee, or stateless status.
– To work in groups and build a solid argumentation in the context of asylum litigation.
– To be able to adopt a rigorous approach based on an analytical method that takes into account the information provided, the documentation, and the context.
Prerequisites:
The training is an advanced session intended for individuals who already have knowledge of international human rights law and/or refugee law, and in particular for:
– Legal professionals and other professionals working on human rights issues
– National and international civil servants
– Members of non-governmental organizations
– Teachers and researchers
– Master’s students
Teaching methods and assessment modalities:
The programme offers a dual general and thematic approach to the issue of refugees worldwide through lectures and the discussion of current issues, drawing on the field experience of UNHCR experts. Participants have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the speakers.
For the in-person format only, a case study and a mock court exercise are offered in addition for participants. A visit to the European Court of Human Rights will provide further insight into this institution.
For the in-person training, assessment is carried out through group work based on a mock court simulation, including the submission of a written brief and an oral pleading exercise, as well as a multiple-choice questionnaire covering all the topics addressed during the course, organized on the last day of the training.
For the online training, the test will take place asynchronously and remotely.
Fees:
- In-person format
NOT TO BE MISSED! Early bird rate: €750 for any payment made before 31 August 2026.
Standard rate: €900 from 1 September 2026.
Some components of the training are included exclusively in the in-person format:
– Mock court exercise and group work
– Visit to the European Court of Human Rights
Lunches and coffee breaks are provided on training days.
- Formule en visioconférence
NOT TO BE MISSED! Early bird rate: €225 for any payment made before 31 August 2026.
Standard rate: €250 from 1 September 2026.
Requests for financial assistance:
The René Cassin Foundation grants a limited number of financial aid awards to in-person participants only, which may cover the following expenses:
- Tout ou partie des frais d’inscription à la formation,
- Travel support of up to €750 (paid only upon arrival in France; participants must be able to advance the necessary travel expenses).
The request must be made at the time of registration on the Foundation’s website and must be accompanied by all the required supporting documents:
- CV,
- Copy of the diploma or proof of university enrollment,
- Letter of motivation
- Deux lettres de recommandation
The deadline for submitting applications for financial assistance is 21 June 2026.
IMPORTANT: Due to the limited number of financial aid grants available, applications will be jointly reviewed by the René Cassin Foundation and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. In order to ensure equal treatment among all candidates, the selection process will take place after the application deadline of 21 June 2026. Admission decisions will be communicated by email from 30 June 2026.
In all cases, participants are strongly encouraged to contact governmental and intergovernmental agencies, international organizations, academic institutions, various foundations or bodies, and potential donors who may provide them with financial support.
Funding by professional training organizations:
Since June 2022, the René Cassin Foundation has been certified with the QUALIOPI label for its training activities following an audit conducted by APAVE, an accredited body. As such, the 27th Intensive Training on Refugee Law is eligible for funding provided by skills operators (OPCO). To make use of your rights, we invite you to contact your employer.
The training may also be eligible for funding through KAIROS – France Travail.
However, it is not eligible for funding under the Personal Training Account (CPF).
Accommodation offers at preferential rates:
Two options to book accommodation directly through the René Cassin Foundation are offered below. Please read the information for each carefully: dates, rates, and distance from the training venue vary significantly between the two. Participants remain free to arrange accommodation in Strasbourg on their own.
Accommodation bookings can be made once the registration application has been completed by filling in the form below, and after your application has been accepted.
OPTION 1 Cultural Centre Saint Thomas, 2 rue de la Carpe Haute, 67000 Strasbourg
Single room with breakfast included.
Distance from the training venue: 10 minutes on foot followed by a 5-minute tram ride (direct).
Price: €610
Dates: 12 nights, from Sunday 15 November to Friday 27 November 2026 (it is not possible to extend the stay).
OPTION 2 University residence (CROUS) located at 22 route du Rhin, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden
Individual studio with kitchenette (without breakfast).
Distance from the training venue: 45 minutes by tram (direct).
Price: €450
Dates: 15 nights, from Saturday 14 to Sunday 29 November 2026.
Cancellation with a refund for an accommodation booking is possible until 25 October 2026 only.
INTERNAL REGULATIONS, IMAGE RIGHTS & PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION
We invite our participants to take note of the Rules and Regulationsvalid for all activities of the René Cassin Foundation, as well as the legislation in force concerning their and the protection of their personal data.
Support for persons with disabilities:
The René Cassin Foundation – International Institute of Human Rights pays particular attention to welcoming persons with disabilities and is committed to:
RAISING AWARENESS among the entire team (administrative and teaching staff, both employees and volunteers) on issues related to welcoming persons with disabilities.
WELCOMING AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT requests from persons with disabilities without discrimination.
Please feel free to contact Ms Valérie Baud-Candau (valerie.candau@iidh.org), disability focal point.
Reminder of key dates:
- Deadline for financial aid applications: 21 June 2026 at 11:59 PM (GMT +02:00).
- Deadline to benefit from early bird rates: 31 August 2026 at 11:59 PM (GMT +02:00).
- Payment deadline: 31 October 2026 at 11:59 PM (GMT +02:00) for the in-person format.
IF THE REGISTRATION FORM BELOW DOES NOT DISPLAY, PLEASE USE THIS DIRECT LINK:
https://pci.jotform.com/form/260181435670353
