Who is Francesca Albanese, UN expert sanctioned by US over criticism of Israel?

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Nations Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, has been sanctioned by the United States government. The move follows her repeated criticism of Israel’s military conduct in Gaza, which she has described in UN reports as “acts of genocide” and violations of international law.

Also Read: Gaza and the end of humanity

Francesca Albanese is the current United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, appointed in May 2022. Her mandate includes independently monitoring, reporting, and advising on human rights issues in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The role is part of the UN Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures, which consists of independent experts serving in a voluntary, unpaid capacity.

Ms. Albanese is a lawyer and academic with expertise in international law and forced displacement. She has served with institutions such as the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). She has contributed to research, policy, and legal frameworks related to migration and refugee rights. Her work focuses on upholding international human rights and humanitarian law, and she regularly reports her findings to both the Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly.