In 2025, the global situation for LGBTQI+ rights is deeply uneven. While some countries have advanced marriage equality and gender recognition laws, others are introducing harsh restrictions.In today’s episode, our hosts offer an overview of the Italian constitutional and legal framework for LGBTQI+ communities, clarifying misconceptions, analysing judicial progress, and highlighting what is still missing.

Today’s hosts are Filippo Vaccari Orsini, student of Human Rights and Multilevel Governance, and Professor Michele Di Bari, alumnus of International Relations and Human Rights and Research Fellow in Comparative Public Law at the University of Padova.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association or any of the partners involved in the project.

Podcast writtend and Produced by Beatrice Birro and Beatrice Carniato in coordination with the Alumni Association of the University of Padua.

Logo designed by Beatrice Carniato. Original theme music composed by Beatrice Birro using GarageBand. All rights reserved.

Almost 1 billion people worldwide live with a mental health condition. In Italy, over 90% of under-50s have faced mental health struggles, yet 81% still see it as a weakness. Access to therapy remains limited, leaving many without the care they need.

In this episode, we explore why psychological care must be recognized as a human right, and how social, cultural, and economic barriers shape access to support.

Today’s hosts are Durrah Malek, student of European & Global Studies, and Beatrice Antola, alumna in European and Global Studies and Assistant to the Director at the Leo Fund

TW: suicide, traumatic loss, and mental health struggles

If you feel the need to talk to someone, know that you're not alone. In Italy, you can contact these helplines for support and someone to listen:

• De Leo Fund:
  - Administration: +39 049 8766309
  - Toll-Free Number: 800 168 678
• General psychological support: 800 833 833
• Telefono Amico Italia:  +39 02 2327 2327

Don’t hesitate to reach out. Talking to someone can make a real difference.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association or any of the partners involved in the project.

Podcast writtend and Produced by Beatrice Birro and Beatrice Carniato in coordination with the Alumni Association of the University of Padua.

Logo designed by Beatrice Carniato. Original theme music composed by Beatrice Birro using GarageBand. All rights reserved.

Across Europe, hundreds of thousands of undocumented people work in essential sectors, yet remain invisible and vulnerable to exploitation. Language, politics, and policy choices shape not only their rights but also the health of democracy itself. 

In this episode, we explore why words matter in migration debates, how restrictive policies fuel precarity, and what resistance and advocacy look like in today’s Europe.

Today’s hosts are Maria Paula Caro Rojas, student of Human Rights and Multilevel Governance, and Silvia Carta, alumna of Human Rights and Multilevel Governance and Advocacy Officer at PICUM.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association or any of the partners involved in the project.

Podcast writtend and Produced by Beatrice Birro and Beatrice Carniato in coordination with the Alumni Association of the University of Padua.

Logo designed by Beatrice Carniato. Original theme music composed by Beatrice Birro using GarageBand. All rights reserved.

The latest EUROSTAT report reveals alarming numbers: human trafficking cases have reached their highest level since 2008. The main form of exploitation is sexual trafficking, followed by labour exploitation, but victims are also forced into benefit fraud, criminal activities, and begging.

Women, girls, and children remain the most vulnerable.In today’s episode, you will learn how trafficking operates “hidden in plain sight,” and why raising awareness and taking action is essential.

Today’s hosts are Abdelrahman Zein, student of Human Rights & Multilevel Governance, and Erika Oliva, alumna in Human Rights & Multilevel Governance and anti-trafficking expert and consultant.


Anti-Trafficking Helpline: 800 290 290
Potential victims of trafficking and exploitation can seek help, but so can private citizens, law enforcement agencies, representatives of public or private bodies, and members of trade associations in the world of work who are aware of cases of exploitation and abuse or who wish to report or obtain information on such issues. 


TW: human trafficking, including sexual exploitation and physical abuse.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association or any of the partners involved in the project.

Podcast writtend and Produced by Beatrice Birro and Beatrice Carniato in coordination with the Alumni Association of the University of Padua.

Logo designed by Beatrice Carniato. Original theme music composed by Beatrice Birro using GarageBand. All rights reserved.

Across OECD countries, fewer than 4 in 10 people express trust in their national governments. Feeling unheard plays a major role: 69% of people who believe they can influence decisions trust their government, compared to just 22% of those who feel powerless.

In this episode, we explore why political disengagement is rising, from toxic polarization and voter fatigue to the long-term decline in social connection. How can democratic systems rebuild public trust, and how do citizens stay engaged when the system itself feels broken?

Today’s hosts are Navid Sahraei, student of European and Global Studies, and Timothy Tennant, alumnus of European & Global Studies and OECD junior policy analyst.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association or any of the partners involved in the project.

Podcast writtend and Produced by Beatrice Birro and Beatrice Carniato in coordination with the Alumni Association of the University of Padua.

Logo designed by Beatrice Carniato. Original theme music composed by Beatrice Birro using GarageBand. All rights reserved.

Across Russia, Belarus, and beyond, authoritarian regimes silence academics, repress women and minorities, and shrink the space for free expression. Even in the EU and US, academic freedom is increasingly under threat. In today’s episode, our hosts share their experiences as Russian students and citizens.

Explore the repression of dissent, gender-based persecution, and why academic freedom is essential to the future of democracy.

Today’s hosts are Larisa Khakimova, student of Human Rights and Multi-Level Governance, and Tatiana Krivobokova, alumna of European & Global Studies, PhD coordinator at UNIPD, and International Relations and European Projects Assistant at the European Association for Innovation and Growth.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association or any of the partners involved in the project.

Podcast writtend and Produced by Beatrice Birro and Beatrice Carniato in coordination with the Alumni Association of the University of Padua.

Logo designed by Beatrice Carniato. Original theme music composed by Beatrice Birro using GarageBand. All rights reserved.

Welcome to Rights and Wrongs, the podcast where we explore the world of rights through the lens of professionals: what’s being done, what’s being challenged and what still needs to change. 

In each episode, new voices from all over the world bring you stories, reflections and insights to help you take the right direction, because human rights are everyone’s business.

Join us on Tuesday from September 23rd!

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Association or any of the partners involved in the project.

Podcast writtend and Produced by Beatrice Birro and Beatrice Carniato in coordination with the Alumni Association of the University of Padua.

Logo designed by Beatrice Carniato. Original theme music composed by Beatrice Birro using GarageBand. All rights reserved.