Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Palestine, has secured reappointment for another three-year term despite facing a storm of controversy over her allegedly antisemitic remarks. Although numerous countries and organisations condemned her, a U.N. Human Rights Council committee accepted her “detailed explanations” asserting she was not antisemitic.
U.N. Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer slammed Albanese as a “blatant legitimizer of Hamas terrorism” and pointed to her statements that deny Israel’s right to self-defence, highlighting the concerning nature of her continued position. This criticism underscores the ongoing tensions within the U.N. regarding its treatment of antisemitism.
U.N. Watch has actively campaigned against Albanese, compiling a list of protests from nations such as the U.S., France, Hungary, and Israel against her rhetoric. The U.S. mission to the U.N. notably opposed her renewal, claiming her statements violate the U.N.’s Code of Conduct, while asserting her reappointment would signal a tacit acceptance of such antisemitic views within the organisation.
Furthermore, the House Foreign Affairs Committee expressed discontent over her reappointment, describing Albanese as a Hamas apologist who misuses her position to promote antisemitic tropes, which tarnishes the reputation of the U.N.
Concerns regarding Albanese’s past tweets and statements were acknowledged by the committee, which noted that some may appear contradictory to U.N. conduct standards. Yet, they expressed assurance in her explanations. The committee, however, has faced allegations of being ineffective and biased, comprising members familiar with Albanese.
Since her appointment in May 2022, Albanese has been at the centre of antisemitism accusations. The Anti-Defamation League continuously documents her contentious remarks, some dating back nearly a decade. Most recently, her defence of Hamas’ attacks during a time of escalating tensions in Europe prompted rebukes from France and Germany, further intensifying scrutiny of her standing within the U.N.
Francesca Albanese has been reappointed as U.N. Special Rapporteur on Palestine despite widespread condemnation for antisemitic remarks. While a U.N. committee accepted her explanations, U.N. Watch and several countries, including the U.S., have opposed her due to her rhetoric supporting Hamas. Albanese’s statements have drawn ire from various nations, raising questions about her role in the U.N. and standards of conduct within the organisation.
The reappointment of Francesca Albanese as U.N. Special Rapporteur on Palestine has ignited significant backlash due to her history of antisemitic remarks. Despite the U.N. Human Rights Council’s acceptance of her explanations, numerous governments have voiced their opposition, perceiving her rhetoric as harmful to both the U.N. and its mission against antisemitism. Albanese’s controversial statements continue to cast a shadow over her role and the institution she represents.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
