OpenFieldUniversità degli Studi di Padova - Centro di Ateneo per i Diritti Umani 'Antonio Papisca'
The Human Rights Centre 'Antonio Papisca' at the University of Padua is Italy's foremost academic institute for international human rights law, peace research, humanitarian governance, and multi-level democratic citizenship.
Academic overview & excellence
Established in 1982 by international law visionary Antonio Papisca at the historic University of Padua (founded 1222), this prestigious university centre coordinates the European Master's Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation (EMA/Global Campus of Human Rights), the UNESCO Chair in Human Rights, Democracy and Peace, and the Italian Human Rights Yearbook. The centre trains diplomatic delegates, UN human rights officers, and international NGO advocates.
Research admissions & criteria
Candidates for the Master of Arts in Human Rights and Multi-level Governance must hold an accredited bachelor's degree (minimum 180 ECTS) in law, political science, sociology, or international relations with a minimum grade equivalent to 3.0/4.0. Fluent English (C1/IELTS 7.0) is mandatory. Doctoral fellowship candidates in Human Rights, Society, and Multi-level Governance apply through the international competitive selection of the University of Padua.
Verified opportunities & funding programs (7)
Master of Arts in Human Rights and Multi-level Governance (English-Taught)
Two-year international master's degree exploring international humanitarian law, transitional justice mechanisms, multi-level human rights accountability, and global civil society mobilization.
PhD Scholarship in Human Rights, Society, and Multi-level Governance
Three-year doctoral fellowship investigating international criminal jurisdiction, climate justice litigation before the ECHR and ICJ, and digital algorithmic surveillance ethics.
Antonio Papisca Memorial Fellowship in International Peace Research
Twelve-month residential research fellowship examining the democratization of the United Nations, human security paradigms, and city-level human rights charters.
UNESCO Chair Human Rights and Democratic Citizenship Summer School Grant
Two-week intensive summer academy gathering international legal practitioners, civil society leaders, and graduate students to examine migration corridors and refugee rights.
United Nations Treaty Bodies Practicum and Human Rights Reporting Internship
Six-month research practicum compiling shadow reports for the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR), drafting entries for the Italian Human Rights Yearbook, and monitoring ECHR judgments.
Laurea Triennale in Scienze Politiche, Relazioni Internazionali e Diritti Umani
Three-year undergraduate program providing foundational training in public international law, political theory, European Union constitutional institutions, and universal human rights.
Certificate in International Humanitarian Law & Armed Conflict Protection
Eight-week executive training course for diplomats, military legal advisors, and humanitarian workers covering the Geneva Conventions, customary IHL, and rules of engagement.
Distinguished faculty & researchers (3)
Prof. Marco Mascia
Director of the Human Rights Centre & UNESCO Chairholder · Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies (SPGI)
Prof. Marco Mascia is Director of the Human Rights Centre & UNESCO Chairholder in the Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies (SPGI) at Università degli Studi di Padova - Centro di Ateneo per i Diritti Umani 'Antonio Papisca', conducting advanced research in International Relations, European Union External Action, Democratic Governance.
Prof. Paolo De Stefani
Professor of International Human Rights Law · Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies
Prof. Paolo De Stefani is Professor of International Human Rights Law in the Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies at Università degli Studi di Padova - Centro di Ateneo per i Diritti Umani 'Antonio Papisca', conducting advanced research in International Criminal Law, European Court of Human Rights, Children's Rights.
Prof.ssa Paola Degani
Associate Professor of Human Rights & Gender Politics · Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies
Prof.ssa Paola Degani is Associate Professor of Human Rights & Gender Politics in the Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies at Università degli Studi di Padova - Centro di Ateneo per i Diritti Umani 'Antonio Papisca', conducting advanced research in Human Trafficking, Gender-Based Violence, Human Rights of Women.
Editorial & verification standards
Institution profile and program records reflect official documentation verified on 2026-10-15. OpenField is an independent student academic resource and is not formally affiliated with Università degli Studi di Padova - Centro di Ateneo per i Diritti Umani 'Antonio Papisca'.