Controversial UN rapporteur faces backlash over anti-Israel report targeting companies

The recent United Nations report titled “Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide” has sparked controversy and backlash, particularly due to its author, U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese. Albanese, known for making allegedly antisemitic remarks in the past, has called for sanctions against entities and individuals involved in activities that may endanger the Palestinians.

NGO Monitor Legal Advisor Anne Herzberg expressed concern over the report, noting that it explicitly endorses the BDS movement against Israel. The report suggests adopting boycott, divestment, and sanctions against Israel, which Herzberg believes goes beyond Albanese’s role as an independent investigator. The report has raised questions about the U.N.’s stance on the BDS movement and its authority to issue sanctions.

Herzberg also highlighted Albanese’s actions in sending threatening letters to companies and NGOs, accusing them of complicity in international crimes like genocide and apartheid. The report raises concerns about the misuse of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, turning a voluntary code into a punitive framework.

In response to the report, the U.S. called for Albanese’s removal, citing her years-long pattern of antisemitism and anti-Israel bias. Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva Daniel Meron criticized Albanese for promoting terrorism propaganda and pushing a narrative demonizing Israel. He described the report as inflammatory and legally baseless, emphasizing Albanese’s obsession with vilifying Israel.

Despite the backlash and calls for her removal, Albanese reiterated her claims at the UNHRC meeting, accusing Israel of conducting a genocidal campaign in Gaza and using the conflict as a testing ground for new weapons. The report has reignited tensions and controversy surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As the debate continues, it is essential to consider the implications of such reports on international relations and human rights advocacy. The role of the U.N. and its rapporteurs in addressing complex geopolitical issues must be scrutinized to ensure impartiality and adherence to international law.