Special rapporteur controversy deepens as ministers, Jewish leaders and UN experts clash.
An independent United Nations coordination body on Tuesday condemned what it described as “vicious attacks based on disinformation” against Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian territories.
The statement follows calls from several European governments — including Germany, France, and Italy — urging her resignation over remarks made at a recent Al Jazeera conference.
Albanese has denied making the specific statement attributed to her, insisting she never said that Israel is “the common enemy of humanity.”
Widening Criticism and Defense
Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, joined those calling for her removal.
The controversy centers on remarks in which Albanese criticized international support for Israel and referenced structural power dynamics. Critics argue that her language crossed a line; Albanese maintains her comments were misrepresented.
The UN Coordination Committee — composed of independent experts overseeing Special Rapporteurs — accused European ministers of relying on “manufactured facts” and argued that Albanese was fulfilling her mandate.
The Committee suggested that governments should focus on accountability mechanisms, including potential proceedings before the International Criminal Court, rather than targeting rapporteurs.
Albanese has previously faced scrutiny for earlier social media posts referencing a “Jewish lobby,” comments she later said were mischaracterized.
Her criticism of Israel intensified following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. Hamas carried out a large-scale assault in Israel that resulted in over 1,200 deaths and hundreds of hostages, according to Israeli authorities. Albanese has repeatedly accused Israel of grave violations in Gaza, including genocide — allegations Israel strongly rejects.
She was recently sanctioned by the administration of Donald Trump after sending letters to American companies regarding alleged human rights violations.
Removal Unlikely
UN Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council but operate independently.
While there is no established precedent for removing a rapporteur mid-term, diplomats note that member states could theoretically propose such a motion. Observers, however, suggest that strong support within the Council for Palestinian advocacy makes removal unlikely.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between governments and UN human rights mechanisms over language, mandate boundaries, and political neutrality.
