House Republicans urge UN to block Albanese over antisemitism

The House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) is making a strong demand to the United Nations not to reappoint Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., who chairs the committee, is leading the charge against Albanese. In a letter addressed to U.N. Human Rights Council (UNHRC) President Jürg Lauber, the committee accuses Albanese of failing to uphold the council’s code of conduct. They also condemn Albanese for comments she made about Israel following Hamas’ attacks on October 7.

The committee strongly criticized Albanese, accusing her of using her position as a UN Special Rapporteur to spread and legitimize antisemitic tropes, while also serving as an apologist for Hamas. In their letter, the committee stated, “In her malicious fixation, she has even called for Israel to be removed from the United Nations while likening Israel to apartheid South Africa.”

Rep. Mast expressed his strong disapproval of Albanese, stating, “Francesca Albanese is an unabashed anti-Israel activist who has consistently done the bidding of Hamas terrorists responsible for the heinous October 7th attacks. Her appointment is a disgrace to the U.N. It’s time for the U.N. to claw back the integrity and accountability it has surrendered.”

U.N. Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer commended the actions taken by Congress, calling the move “much needed.” Neuer emphasized that Albanese’s reappointment would be unlawful and urged for consequences from the U.S. if she visits the country.

Albanese, who has been serving as Special Rapporteur since 2022, has faced condemnation from several governments and accusations of antisemitism. Her response to French President Emmanuel Macron labeling the October 7 attacks as “the largest antisemitic massacre of our century” drew backlash from France, the U.S., and Germany.

The U.S. criticized Albanese for her “history of using antisemitic tropes” and denounced her comments as “unacceptable [and] antisemitic.” France and Germany also condemned her remarks, with Germany stating that making such statements in a UN capacity goes against the values of the United Nations.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.

In light of the ongoing controversy surrounding Francesca Albanese, the HFAC’s demand for the United Nations to not reappoint her highlights the importance of upholding integrity and accountability within the UN system. It remains to be seen how the UNHRC will respond to these calls for action and whether Albanese will continue in her role as Special Rapporteur.