International Human Rights Instruments

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.

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.