There is no pre-requisite. However, students who have not previously studied public international law are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the subject prior to the course by studying one of the principal textbooks, by Brownlie, Shaw or Cassese. The course will be organised thematically. Major issues in international human rights law the right to life and the prohibition of capital punishment, freedom of expression, equality, economic and social rights, minorities, accountability and criminal justice will be examined in detail, exploring at the same time the structures and mechanisms of the United Nations and of regional bodies such as the Council of Europe. In this way, by the end of the semester students should have a good general grasp of the institutional framework through which human rights are promoted and protected at the international law.