Antisemitism allegations fail to stop UN from reappointing controversial official
Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Palestine, has been reappointed to her position for another three-year term despite facing backlash for her history of alleged antisemitic remarks. Multiple countries and organizations have condemned Albanese for her statements, with accusations of being a Hamas apologist and demonizing Israel. However, a committee tasked by the U.N. Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with reviewing complaints about Albanese has defended her, stating that they were convinced by her “detailed explanations” that she was not antisemitic.
The controversy surrounding Albanese has sparked outrage from various nations, including the United States, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Israel, Argentina, Germany, and the U.K. U.N. Watch, an organization that monitors the United Nations, has been vocal in its opposition to Albanese and has worked to expose what they claim are violations of the U.N.’s Code of Conduct. The U.S. mission to the U.N. sent a letter to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres opposing Albanese’s reappointment, citing her “virulent antisemitism” and support for terrorism.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee also expressed its opposition to Albanese’s reappointment, stating that her rhetoric not only tarnishes the U.N. as an institution but also her own position as Special Rapporteur on the Rights Situation in the Palestinian Territories. The committee accused Albanese of using her position to purvey antisemitic tropes and serve as a Hamas apologist.
Despite the calls for her removal, the committee responsible for reviewing complaints about Albanese defended her, stating that while some of her tweets may appear to be in violation of the Code of Conduct, they were reassured by her explanations that she was not antisemitic. This decision has further fueled the controversy surrounding Albanese and raised questions about the credibility of the U.N. Human Rights Council.
Albanese has been under scrutiny for her alleged antisemitic remarks since she assumed the role of Special Rapporteur in 2022. The Anti-Defamation League has compiled a list of statements made by Albanese that have been deemed antisemitic, dating back to 2014. Most recently, she faced condemnation from France and Germany for her response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks about Hamas’ actions, where she appeared to justify the attacks.
The reappointment of Francesca Albanese as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Palestine has reignited the debate over allegations of antisemitism and support for terrorism. The decision to retain her in the position has drawn criticism from several countries and organizations, raising concerns about the U.N.’s commitment to combating antisemitism and upholding human rights.
