UN Palestinian Rights Expert Calls International Criticism ‘Toxic’ and Damaging

Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestinian territories, spoke out Thursday against what she called damaging personal attacks following calls from several European nations for her resignation. The Italian lawyer faces criticism over her statements about Israel, while her family has filed a lawsuit against U.S. sanctions imposed last year.

The United Nations official responsible for monitoring human rights in Palestinian territories spoke out Thursday against what she characterized as damaging personal attacks that have affected both her work and family life.

Francesca Albanese, who serves as Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, addressed reporters via video from Jordan, responding to recent calls from multiple European nations demanding her resignation over her statements regarding Israel.

“I can tell you how toxic and personally damaging for me and for my family these past days, weeks and months have been,” the Italian lawyer stated during the press conference.

Several major European countries including Germany, France, and Italy have recently demanded Albanese step down from her position, citing concerns over her criticism of Israel. Albanese maintains that her statements have been misinterpreted and taken out of their proper context.

According to a February 15th letter obtained by Reuters, Israel’s permanent mission in Geneva accused Albanese of seriously breaching the UN’s code of conduct standards.

“As long as she holds a U.N. mandate, she fundamentally undermines the credibility and moral authority of the United Nations,” the Israeli letter stated, also alleging that Albanese had repeatedly promoted antisemitic themes – accusations she has consistently rejected.

French officials also expressed concerns this week, with ambassador Céline Jurgensen telling UN Human Rights Council delegates on Tuesday about “extremely problematic statements” made by a UN Special Rapporteur, appearing to reference Albanese without directly naming her.

“All those who speak under the auspices of the United Nations – including Special Rapporteurs – must exercise the restraint, moderation, and discretion required by their mandate,” Jurgensen told the assembly.

Albanese also addressed sanctions placed on her by the United States last July, describing them as part of a wider effort by the current administration to undermine international accountability systems.

The U.S. imposed these sanctions over what officials called “illegitimate and shameful efforts to prompt (International Criminal Court) action against U.S. and Israeli officials, companies, and executives” in a Human Rights Council report.

“These smears, the sanctions, the continuous attacks from all over, from those very states who should use that energy as stamina to go after those who are accused by the highest court in the world of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide,” Albanese stated.

On Wednesday, Albanese’s family filed a federal lawsuit in Washington against the Trump administration, claiming the sanctions are “effectively debanking her and making it nearly impossible to meet the needs of her daily life.” The State Department has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the legal action.

Israeli officials have firmly rejected allegations of genocide. Last September, Israeli ambassador Daniel Meron dismissed a UN report alleging that top Israeli officials had encouraged genocide during the Gaza conflict as both “scandalous” and “fake.”

The UN Human Rights Council president, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, expressed concern Monday about personal attacks directed “against certain mandate holders” and reaffirmed his support for their work.

“Their independence and protection remains essential to the effectiveness, credibility and legitimacy of the council’s collective action,” he stated.