The topic of human rights has been at the centre of the global political agenda at least since 1948, when the international community reacted to World War II experiences of absolute dehumanisation by drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The latter states that every human being, with no distinction whatsoever and simply for existing, is entitled to inviolable rights that safeguard his or her person. Both the foundation and end result of a long, meandering political process, the notion of human rights is the object, in this book, of a concise historical account, that ranges from its origins in the legal doctrines and political philosophy of the 17th and 18th centuries to various International Declarations in the second half of the 20th century. This text is an introduction to the specialised literature and is based on the idea that human rights are a historical product; their specific structures derive from a combination of theories, social movements, and legal norms. Special emphasis is placed on women's rights which, following an autonomous path, have come to be considered an integral part of human rights.

Alessandra Facchi teaches General Law Theory and Human Rights and Women's Rights at the University of Milan.

Portuguese language rights (Brazil only) sold.