Numerous non-governmental organizations (or civil society organizations) dealing with the promotion and protection of human rights are active in Italy; some of these, formed into networks at the national and international levels, have acquired consultative status with international bodies and actively participate in their programs. About 130 Italian non-governmental organizations have consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. About 300 NGOs with participatory status with the Council of Europe that deal specifically with human rights have their headquarters or representation in Italy. Numerous international non-governmental organizations also have one or more Italian offices, for example Amnesty International, the International Federation for Human Rights, Save the Children, Doctors Without Borders, Action Aid, OXFAM, etc.

The Italian university community has shown increasing attention to human rights research and education. The topic is now present in the teachings given in many disciplines and in the curricula of numerous undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as in research programs spanning different disciplinary areas.