International Human Rights Law
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course illustrates the origins, functioning, and limits of the international systems of protection of human rights, within the United Nations and the Council of Europe. The course will cover both substantive and procedural issues. A special attention will be given to human rights most relevant for the attainement of Sustainable Development Goals
Expected learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to: - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the international human rights framework, its origins, and limits - Demonstrate capacity to assess how specific human rights may be asserted, violated, and enforced - Critically evaluate the relationship between international human rights law and SDGs - Demonstrate understanding of the role of lawyers in human rights protection, also in relation with the SDGs - Demonstrate advanced skills in legal research, evaluation, oral and written communication, and advocacy.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
- Foundations and historical development of International Human Rights Law. Human rights and international law.
- Sources of International Human Rights Law.
- International Human Rights Law obligations and State responsibility
- The UN system of protection of human rights. The regional systems of protection of human rights.
- The European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
- The European Court of Human Rights.
- Protection of life and physical integrity.
- Protection of liberty and
- Protection of identity of the person.
- Protection of the will and identity of Peoples.
security.
- Due process in criminal law matters.
- Due process in civil law matters.
- Protection of private and family life.
- Sources of International Human Rights Law.
- International Human Rights Law obligations and State responsibility
- The UN system of protection of human rights. The regional systems of protection of human rights.
- The European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
- The European Court of Human Rights.
- Protection of life and physical integrity.
- Protection of liberty and
- Protection of identity of the person.
- Protection of the will and identity of Peoples.
security.
- Due process in criminal law matters.
- Due process in civil law matters.
- Protection of private and family life.
Prerequisites for admission
Students of the LL.M. in Law and Sustainable Development are required to have successfully passed all the exams of the first year.
Non-LL.M. students, including international exchange students, shall have prior knowledge of Public International Law, at least with reference to the following topics: subjects and sources of international law; the regimes of international responsibility.
Non-LL.M. students, including international exchange students, shall have prior knowledge of Public International Law, at least with reference to the following topics: subjects and sources of international law; the regimes of international responsibility.
Teaching methods
Course attendance for LL.M. students is mandatory: students will be required to attend at least 70% of classes.
During the Course, lectures will be alternated with class discussions and case-law analysis. Students are expected to read the material available on the ARIEL website in advance and to actively participate to the debates.
During the Course, lectures will be alternated with class discussions and case-law analysis. Students are expected to read the material available on the ARIEL website in advance and to actively participate to the debates.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
Notes taken in class; Mandatory and suggested readings provided during the Course.
The following textbooks can provide students useful guidance during the Course:
- R. Pisillo Mazzeschi, International Human Rights Law. Theory and Practice, Springer, 2021.
- P. Pustorino, Introduction to International Human Rights Law, Springer, 2023
Non-attending students:
- R. Pisillo Mazzeschi, International Human Rights Law. Theory and Practice, Springer, 2021.
Notes taken in class; Mandatory and suggested readings provided during the Course.
The following textbooks can provide students useful guidance during the Course:
- R. Pisillo Mazzeschi, International Human Rights Law. Theory and Practice, Springer, 2021.
- P. Pustorino, Introduction to International Human Rights Law, Springer, 2023
Non-attending students:
- R. Pisillo Mazzeschi, International Human Rights Law. Theory and Practice, Springer, 2021.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Attending students will be assessed upon:
a) active participation in class and to the activities that form an integral part of the course;
b) the grade obtained in the written exam (composed of two parts: 1. multiple-choice questions; 2. open questions) to be taken at the end of lectures (May 2024);
c) the grade obtained in the oral exam for the students failing the written exam.
Non-attending students will be assessed upon the grade obtained in the oral exam. Several dates are available. Students are kindly invited to consult the calendar in advance, at the following website: https://easystaff.divsi.unimi.it/PortaleStudenti/index.php?view=easytest&_lang=it&include=et_docente
a) active participation in class and to the activities that form an integral part of the course;
b) the grade obtained in the written exam (composed of two parts: 1. multiple-choice questions; 2. open questions) to be taken at the end of lectures (May 2024);
c) the grade obtained in the oral exam for the students failing the written exam.
Non-attending students will be assessed upon the grade obtained in the oral exam. Several dates are available. Students are kindly invited to consult the calendar in advance, at the following website: https://easystaff.divsi.unimi.it/PortaleStudenti/index.php?view=easytest&_lang=it&include=et_docente
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday from 12 AM to 1 PM (TBC via email)
Department of Italian and Supranational Public Law - Basement floor, Library of International Law