No particular prerequisite is required. Basic knowledge of the essential elements of Public International Law is suggested.

The aim of the course is to help students familiarise with the main international rules in the field of Human Rights and with the monitoring mechanisms for the protection of fundamental rights.

Students will be able to carry out targeted legal research in the field of International Human Rights. They will develop the ability to interpret international rules and case-law in the field of Human Rights.

The course will address the general framework of human rights protection in international law:

1. Actors and sources.

2. The origins of International Human Rights Law.

3. The United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Universal and regional systems of protection of human rights: specifically, the 1966 UN Covenants and the European Convention on Human Rights.

4. Monitoring compliance with international human rights obligations. UN Charter-based and treaty-based bodies. The role of international tribunals: specifically, the European Court of Human Rights.

(A) Pustorino P., Introduction to International Human Rights Law, TMC Asser Press/Springer, 2023. ISBN: 978-94-6265-562-1.

Consultation of the main international instruments in the field of human rights is highly recommended.

The course is delivered in English

• Lectures, seminars and case-law analysis, also with the possible participation of external experts (38 hours); seminar on legal research tools with the active participation of students (2 hours).

• Written exam in English (three questions). Each answer weighs one third (33.3%) on the final grade. The mark of each answer is expressed in numbers (from 18/30 to 30/30); the final mark is given by the average of partial marks. Students will be assessed on topics that are part of the course and they will have the opportunity to fully elaborate their answers. The exam is closed book examination. An intermediate assessment (two questions) can be arranged during the course, including a case study. The exam aims to assess the knowledge and comprehension of the discipline (95%) and the development of a critical approach to the subject (5%).

English and French.

English