International Human Rights Instruments
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of regional and international systems for the protection of human rights, through an analysis of their origin, functioning and dynamics in space and time. Students will become familiar with the main tools for promoting and ensuring the effective application of human rights in today's complex international scenario, which is marked by political and cultural differences as well as by disparities in terms of development. The course will facilitate a multidisciplinary and cross-cutting approach, which integrates linguistic skills, legal and economic knowledge, and social and cultural awareness. A particular focus will be placed on international protection mechanisms, intercultural mediation and cooperation strategies, and the new challenges posed by emerging technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence) in the field of human rights. Moreover, the course intends to prepare students to be able to address diversity and social inclusion challenges, by placing cultural and linguistic specificities in a global context.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- know and understand the main universal and regional systems for the protection of human rights, as well as the appeal mechanisms and protection procedures that are available internationally and regionally;
- apply their theoretical knowledge to real-life cases concerning human rights, with a focus on intercultural challenges;
- demonstrate improved linguistic skills, in terms of using the legal language and terminology of human rights;
- produce coherent, accurate and logical arguments on human rights topics, so as to play an active role in the resolution of problems related to respect for human rights in multilingual and global contexts;
- develop their own approach to the analysis of the main international legal instruments and gain a critical understanding of the applicable case law, by using legal research techniques;
- critically reflect on the management of political, social and cultural differences, as well as development gaps, in the implementation of human rights;
- develop expertise in the resolution of legal conflicts regarding international cooperation, inclusion and diversity.
Participation in the course activities will give students a solid foundation to work for international organisations and multinational or internationally oriented companies, as well as in other contexts related to international cooperation and mediation. Particularly, students will develop competencies in addressing legal issues within an intercultural society and in an increasingly globalised and technologically advanced world.
- know and understand the main universal and regional systems for the protection of human rights, as well as the appeal mechanisms and protection procedures that are available internationally and regionally;
- apply their theoretical knowledge to real-life cases concerning human rights, with a focus on intercultural challenges;
- demonstrate improved linguistic skills, in terms of using the legal language and terminology of human rights;
- produce coherent, accurate and logical arguments on human rights topics, so as to play an active role in the resolution of problems related to respect for human rights in multilingual and global contexts;
- develop their own approach to the analysis of the main international legal instruments and gain a critical understanding of the applicable case law, by using legal research techniques;
- critically reflect on the management of political, social and cultural differences, as well as development gaps, in the implementation of human rights;
- develop expertise in the resolution of legal conflicts regarding international cooperation, inclusion and diversity.
Participation in the course activities will give students a solid foundation to work for international organisations and multinational or internationally oriented companies, as well as in other contexts related to international cooperation and mediation. Particularly, students will develop competencies in addressing legal issues within an intercultural society and in an increasingly globalised and technologically advanced world.
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
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is divided into three teaching units devoted to the analysis of the international human rights protection system, with particular attention to the main instruments and mechanisms of protection, as well as the examination of some current issues. The first two units provide the basic conceptual framework for a complete understanding of the human rights protection system. The third unit, which addresses specific cases and issues, will allow students to apply the concepts and acquire a more mature and critical understanding of the field.
Teaching unit I - The universal human rights protection system.
This unit introduces the general framework of protection at the universal level, with particular reference to: the protection of human rights within the UN; the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the 1966 United Nations Covenants; and conventions protecting specific rights.
Teaching unit II - Regional human rights protection systems.
The second unit is dedicated to examining regional protection mechanisms, with particular attention to: the Council of Europe system and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR): structure, scope and functioning of the European Court of Human Rights. Brief overview of regional systems.
Teaching unit III - International human rights protection system in relation to specific cases and issues.
This part of the course is dedicated to the analysis of case law and the discussion of cross-cutting issues, also in light of recent developments in the international context. Some particularly relevant fundamental rights will be explored in depth such as: the right to life, the prohibition of torture, the right to a fair trial, the protection of family life and privacy, freedom of religion, and the prohibition of all forms of discrimination.
Different methods for Unit III: Attending students may replace the preparation for Unit III with a practical test (group work and/or classroom presentations). The methods and criteria will be explained at the beginning of the course and published on MyAriel.
Non-attending students : they must prepare chapters 3, 6 and 7 of the reference textbook and a selection of judgments, which will be made available on MyAriel.
Teaching unit I - The universal human rights protection system.
This unit introduces the general framework of protection at the universal level, with particular reference to: the protection of human rights within the UN; the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the 1966 United Nations Covenants; and conventions protecting specific rights.
Teaching unit II - Regional human rights protection systems.
The second unit is dedicated to examining regional protection mechanisms, with particular attention to: the Council of Europe system and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR): structure, scope and functioning of the European Court of Human Rights. Brief overview of regional systems.
Teaching unit III - International human rights protection system in relation to specific cases and issues.
This part of the course is dedicated to the analysis of case law and the discussion of cross-cutting issues, also in light of recent developments in the international context. Some particularly relevant fundamental rights will be explored in depth such as: the right to life, the prohibition of torture, the right to a fair trial, the protection of family life and privacy, freedom of religion, and the prohibition of all forms of discrimination.
Different methods for Unit III: Attending students may replace the preparation for Unit III with a practical test (group work and/or classroom presentations). The methods and criteria will be explained at the beginning of the course and published on MyAriel.
Non-attending students : they must prepare chapters 3, 6 and 7 of the reference textbook and a selection of judgments, which will be made available on MyAriel.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the basics of international law/international organisation is desirable.
Teaching methods
The course includes lectures with PowerPoint presentations, guided discussions, exercises and group work. Active participation will also be rewarded through the opportunity to contribute to group presentations in the classroom. There will be presentations by external experts on current issues.
Teaching Resources
A. Marchesi, La protezione internazionale dei diritti umani, Giappichelli, 2023.
(For attending students, chapters 3, 6 and 7 are excluded if replaced by the practical test).
Lecture notes and materials uploaded to the MyAriel platform.
Supplementary judgments made available on Ariel. The essential elements of the judicial decisions are, however, available in: M. Franchi, I. Viarengo, Tutela internazionale dei diritti umani. Casi e materiali, Giappichelli, 2016.
(For attending students, chapters 3, 6 and 7 are excluded if replaced by the practical test).
Lecture notes and materials uploaded to the MyAriel platform.
Supplementary judgments made available on Ariel. The essential elements of the judicial decisions are, however, available in: M. Franchi, I. Viarengo, Tutela internazionale dei diritti umani. Casi e materiali, Giappichelli, 2016.
Assessment methods and Criteria
ATTENDING STUDENTS: During the course, there will be a written test on teaching units I and II, aimed at assessing the progressive acquisition of theoretical concepts. The remaining part of the exam (Unit III) can be taken through a practical test (group work and/or presentations).
Alternatively, attending students may choose to take the exam entirely in oral form, or take the oral exam if the written test is insufficient or if they wish to waive the grade obtained.
NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS: The exam will consist of an oral test, aimed at assessing knowledge and understanding of the main instruments of protection, as well as critical analysis skills and clear and articulate legal exposition.
Alternatively, attending students may choose to take the exam entirely in oral form, or take the oral exam if the written test is insufficient or if they wish to waive the grade obtained.
NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS: The exam will consist of an oral test, aimed at assessing knowledge and understanding of the main instruments of protection, as well as critical analysis skills and clear and articulate legal exposition.
Professor(s)