In a striking move, ahead of Francesca Albanese’s potential reappointment as UN rapporteur, Hillel Neuer from UN Watch made a bold statement during the Human Rights Council meeting. He highlighted Albanese’s inflammatory behaviour, labelling her antisemitic remarks as grounds for her disqualification. In a twist, after his address, the Chair admonished Neuer for what was deemed a personal attack, despite the fact that he had been merely quoting Albanese herself.
Neuer invoked the procedural guidelines of the Council, urging them to consider UN Watch’s extensive report detailing Albanese’s disregard for the UN’s Code of Conduct. He also presented an official demand letter to Ambassador Jürg Lauber, the Council President, seeking to halt Albanese’s reappointment and urging other member states to join this call.
The report titled “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing” documents Albanese’s multiple antisemitic statements, unveiling a pattern of behaviour that contradicts the values and principles championed by the UN. During his speech, Neuer underscored that combating racism and discrimination is fundamental to the UN’s mission, questioning whether the UN’s newly announced action plan against antisemitism is more than just a symbolic gesture.
Neuer pointed out the evolution of antisemitism, describing it as a “mutating virus” that disguises itself with noble intentions. He reminded the Council of a series of Albanese’s controversial remarks, including accusations towards the Jewish lobby in America and comparisons of Israel’s leadership to historical tyrants. He concluded with a passionate plea: “No one who spreads antisemitism should speak for this Council or the United Nations.”
The UN is facing controversy over Francesca Albanese’s potential reappointment as rapporteur, with Hillel Neuer of UN Watch presenting evidence of her antisemitic remarks. After calling attention to her infractions, Neuer was reprimanded for allegedly launching personal attacks, despite citing Albanese’s own words. UN Watch urges member states to oppose her reappointment, while questioning the UN’s genuine commitment to combating antisemitism amid rising concerns.
The urgency of the matter raised by Hillel Neuer calls into question the ethics and values upheld by the UN as it contemplates Francesca Albanese’s reappointment. Her past remarks, deemed antisemitic, directly clash with the UN’s foundational mission to combat discrimination. As debates unfold, the integrity of the UN’s leadership and its commitment to human rights hangs in the balance, urging member states to take a stand against figures like Albanese.
Original Source: unwatch.org