UN Secretary-General António Guterres is facing criticism for not speaking out against Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, who has been accused of being antisemitic. Albanese is traveling to the U.S. to present her report on “Genocide as colonial erasure” before the U.N. General Assembly’s Third Committee. Anne Bayefsky from Human Rights Voices called Albanese’s report a new rant aimed at the destruction of the Jewish state, noting that the report spreads hate and incitement to violence. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, criticized Albanese for failing in her role and supporting antisemitic tropes.
Albanese has been accused of spreading antisemitism through her comments and actions. She retweeted an article accusing Israel of “blood lust” and shared a cartoon depicting the Israeli flag with bloodied hands. Critics believe that she is not abiding by the U.N. Code of Conduct for special procedures mandate holders and is promoting hate instead of upholding human rights. U.N. Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq mentioned that Secretary-General Guterres strongly opposes antisemitism but does not have the authority to terminate Albanese or reduce her salary. The lack of action against Albanese’s behavior has raised concerns among her detractors.
Pascal Sim, a U.N. Human Rights Council spokesperson, stated that decisions regarding Albanese’s conduct would be made based on decisions, resolutions, and statements adopted by the council. Critics, including Anne Bayefsky, have expressed frustration at the failure to address Albanese’s behavior, calling on Secretary-General Guterres to denounce her antisemitism and take action against her. Despite the allegations of antisemitism against Albanese, she has denied the accusations. She tweeted that she is committed to human rights for all people, though her critics claim she has remained silent on other human rights issues in the past.
The U.S. State Department has expressed disapproval of Albanese and her antisemitic comments, with U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Human Rights Council Michèle Taylor condemning her remarks. The State Department did not confirm any plans to restrict Albanese’s travel during her U.S. visit, which includes stops at several colleges. Anne Bayefsky criticized the State Department for not limiting Albanese’s movements, stating that by allowing her to visit American campuses, they are aiding in the spread of antisemitism. The Anti-Defamation League reported that Albanese’s college tour would include visits to Georgetown University, Barnard College, Princeton, and John Jay College in New York City.
Francesca Albanese’s visit to the U.S. has sparked controversy due to her alleged antisemitic remarks and actions as the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories. Critics, including Israel’s ambassador to the UN and human rights advocates, have accused her of promoting hate and inciting violence against Israel. Calls for action against Albanese, including her removal from her position and restriction of her travel, have been growing. The responses from the U.N. Secretary-General, the U.S. State Department, and the U.N. Human Rights Council have been called into question for their perceived inaction in addressing Albanese’s behavior. The issue of antisemitism and human rights violations remains a significant concern as Albanese continues her U.S. tour, raising questions about the responsibilities of international organizations and host countries in combating hate speech and promoting tolerance.
