International Human Rights Instruments
A.Y. 2026/2027
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
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is divided into three teaching units, focusing on the analysis of the international system for the protection of human rights, with particular attention to the principal legal instruments and protection mechanisms, as well as to selected contemporary issues.
Part I - The Universal System for the Protection of Human Rights
This unit introduces the general framework of human rights protection at the universal level, with particular reference to: the protection of human rights within the United Nations; the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the 1966 United Nations Covenants; and the conventions protecting specific categories of rights.
Part II - Regional Human Rights Protection Systems
This unit examines the regional systems for the protection of human rights, with particular emphasis on the Council of Europe system and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), including its structure, scope of application, and the functioning of the European Court of Human Rights. Brief references will also be made to the other regional human rights systems.
Part III - The International System for the Protection of Human Rights: Selected Cases and Contemporary Issues
This part of the course is devoted to the analysis of case law and the discussion of cross-cutting issues in light of recent developments in the international context. Particular attention will be paid to selected fundamental rights, including the right to life, the prohibition of torture, the protection of family life, freedom of religion, and the prohibition of discrimination.
Different Requirements for Attending and Non-attending Students (Part III). Attending students: may replace the preparation of Part III with a practical assignment consisting of classroom presentations. The assessment criteria and practical arrangements will be explained at the beginning of the course and published on MyAriel. Non-attending students: are required to study Chapter 3 of the prescribed textbook and a selection of judgments, which will be made available on MyAriel.
Part I - The Universal System for the Protection of Human Rights
This unit introduces the general framework of human rights protection at the universal level, with particular reference to: the protection of human rights within the United Nations; the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the 1966 United Nations Covenants; and the conventions protecting specific categories of rights.
Part II - Regional Human Rights Protection Systems
This unit examines the regional systems for the protection of human rights, with particular emphasis on the Council of Europe system and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), including its structure, scope of application, and the functioning of the European Court of Human Rights. Brief references will also be made to the other regional human rights systems.
Part III - The International System for the Protection of Human Rights: Selected Cases and Contemporary Issues
This part of the course is devoted to the analysis of case law and the discussion of cross-cutting issues in light of recent developments in the international context. Particular attention will be paid to selected fundamental rights, including the right to life, the prohibition of torture, the protection of family life, freedom of religion, and the prohibition of discrimination.
Different Requirements for Attending and Non-attending Students (Part III). Attending students: may replace the preparation of Part III with a practical assignment consisting of classroom presentations. The assessment criteria and practical arrangements will be explained at the beginning of the course and published on MyAriel. Non-attending students: are required to study Chapter 3 of the prescribed textbook and a selection of judgments, which will be made available on MyAriel.
Prerequisites for admission
A basic knowledge of public international law and international organizations is recommended.
Teaching methods
The course consists of lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations, guided discussions, practical exercises, and group work. Active participation will be encouraged, including through group presentations in class. Guest lectures by external experts on current human rights issues may also be included.
Teaching Resources
- A. Marchesi, La protezione internazionale dei diritti umani, Giappichelli, 2023.
- Lecture notes and teaching materials made available on the MyAriel platform.
- Judgments made available on MyAriel. The essential elements of the selected judicial decisions can also be found in: M. Franchi, I. Viarengo, Tutela internazionale dei diritti umani. Casi e materiali, Giappichelli, 2016.
For attending students, the preparation of Chapter 3 and the selected judgments published on MyAriel is waived if replaced by the classroom presentation.
- Lecture notes and teaching materials made available on the MyAriel platform.
- Judgments made available on MyAriel. The essential elements of the selected judicial decisions can also be found in: M. Franchi, I. Viarengo, Tutela internazionale dei diritti umani. Casi e materiali, Giappichelli, 2016.
For attending students, the preparation of Chapter 3 and the selected judgments published on MyAriel is waived if replaced by the classroom presentation.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination may be taken during any of the official examination sessions. It consists of an oral examination, during which students will generally be asked to answer questions covering different topics included in the course programme.
Students are expected to demonstrate a sound understanding of the theoretical foundations of the subject, together with the ability to apply these concepts in order to interpret, understand, and analyse from a legal perspective the complex phenomena characterising the contemporary development of international human rights law. Assessment will also take into account students' ability to develop critical arguments using appropriate legal terminology.
The examination covers the chapters of the prescribed textbook indicated above, whose study is supported by the lecture slides available on MyAriel, as well as the relevant legal sources, judicial decisions, and other materials made available on the same platform.
Attending students: During the course, students may take an interim multiple-choice test covering Parts I and II, designed to assess the progressive acquisition of the theoretical concepts addressed in class. The remaining part of the examination (Part III, which consists of the preparation of Chapter 3 of the prescribed textbook and the selected judgments published on MyAriel) may be replaced by a practical assignment consisting of a classroom presentation. The practical assignment is optional and is assessed on a pass/fail basis; it does not contribute to the final numerical grade. Alternatively, attending students may choose to take the entire examination orally or sit the oral examination if they fail the interim test or decide to decline the mark obtained.
Non-attending students: The examination consists of an oral examination covering all three parts of the course. For Part III, students are required to prepare Chapter 3 of the prescribed textbook, supported by the lecture slides available on MyAriel, as well as the selection of judgments published on MyAriel.
Students are expected to demonstrate a sound understanding of the theoretical foundations of the subject, together with the ability to apply these concepts in order to interpret, understand, and analyse from a legal perspective the complex phenomena characterising the contemporary development of international human rights law. Assessment will also take into account students' ability to develop critical arguments using appropriate legal terminology.
The examination covers the chapters of the prescribed textbook indicated above, whose study is supported by the lecture slides available on MyAriel, as well as the relevant legal sources, judicial decisions, and other materials made available on the same platform.
Attending students: During the course, students may take an interim multiple-choice test covering Parts I and II, designed to assess the progressive acquisition of the theoretical concepts addressed in class. The remaining part of the examination (Part III, which consists of the preparation of Chapter 3 of the prescribed textbook and the selected judgments published on MyAriel) may be replaced by a practical assignment consisting of a classroom presentation. The practical assignment is optional and is assessed on a pass/fail basis; it does not contribute to the final numerical grade. Alternatively, attending students may choose to take the entire examination orally or sit the oral examination if they fail the interim test or decide to decline the mark obtained.
Non-attending students: The examination consists of an oral examination covering all three parts of the course. For Part III, students are required to prepare Chapter 3 of the prescribed textbook, supported by the lecture slides available on MyAriel, as well as the selection of judgments published on MyAriel.
GIUR-09/A - International Law - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Rubini Luca, Valkova Lenka
Professor(s)
Reception:
Every Monday at 14.30. Students can contact prof. Valkova by email and arrange a meeting.