At the recent United Nations Human Rights Council session in Geneva, a wave of disorder rippled through as voices opposing Israel faced little resistance while pro-Israel representatives, like U.N. Watch’s Executive Director Hillel Neuer, encountered disruptions. Neuer was interrupted multiple times while criticising Francesca Albanese, the U.N. Special Rapporteur whose position is up for renewal, revealing a stark contrast in treatment between opposing viewpoints.
In an alarming moment of censorship, Neuer labelled the episode as “censorship in its rawest form,” declaring it a disgrace for the United Nations. Despite quoting condemnations from democratic nations, his microphone was silenced while disparaging claims against him went unchallenged. He emphasised that attention should focus on condemnation of antisemitism rather than personal attacks against human rights defenders.
Neuer wasn’t alone in his struggles; Anne Bayefsky from the Touro Institute also faced reprimands following a presentation she made. She asserted that there’s no U.N. accountability regarding groups like Hamas and that figures within the U.N. often escape condemnation for their actions.
Albanese, having faced scrutiny since her appointment in 2022, was accused of repeated antisemitic remarks. Most notably, her comments in response to the October 7 attacks drew condemnation from multiple countries, including France, Germany, and the U.S., further casting a shadow over her position. In her defence, she had previously stated that the attacks were a response to Israeli oppression.
Following the session, Neuer submitted a formal request to U.N. Human Rights Council President Jürg Lauber, urging against reappointing Albanese. He asserted her alleged misconduct, arguing that ignoring it could tarnish the credibility of the Council and foster an unacceptable tolerance for antisemitism. Notably, the missions of France and Germany also condemned Albanese’s recent comments, highlighting a growing international outcry.
During a session of the UN Human Rights Council, pro-Israel speakers experienced interruptions, while accusations against Israel were allowed to flow freely. Hillel Neuer, defending Israel and condemning Francesca Albanese for antisemitism, was silenced. Other pro-Israel representatives faced similar reprimands. Albanese’s past comments, condemned by multiple countries, brought a severe critique of her fitness for position, leading to calls for her non-reappointment.
The session at the U.N. Human Rights Council showcased a significant imbalance, where critical voices of Israel faced suppression while inflammatory statements against it flourished unchecked. This pattern of behaviour raises serious questions about the commitment to impartiality at the U.N., particularly regarding allegations of antisemitism tied to figures like Francesca Albanese. The need for accountability and a robust dialogue is urgent, lest the integrity of human rights advocacy worldwide be compromised.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
