U.N. Watchdog Demands Sanctions Against Appointee Accused of Antisemitism

U.N. Watchdog Demands Sanctions Against Appointee Accused of Antisemitism

EXCLUSIVE — A United Nations watchdog organization is urging U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take decisive action against Francesca Albanese, an appointee whose second term is scheduled to begin on May 1. Albanese currently serves as the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

In a letter addressed to Rubio, Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of U.N. Watch, calls for the U.S. government to impose sanctions, deny entry, and prohibit the issuance of visas to Albanese. Neuer has further suggested that Albanese should not receive diplomatic immunity due to her controversial views.

Neuer characterizes Albanese as “pro-Hamas” and claims that her reappointment was carried out illegally. He argues that the process violated established U.N. rules that dictate the necessity of investigating any alleged misconduct prior to such actions.

“Her purported reappointment this month was carried out in direct violation of U.N. regulations, making her term renewal null and void,” Neuer wrote. This assertion highlights the ongoing scrutiny surrounding U.N. appointments, particularly in light of unresolved allegations.

Evidence of Misconduct

During an interview with Fox News Digital, Neuer pointed to the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent decision to permit lawsuits against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) as an example of the potential avenues available for taking action against Albanese. He emphasized that Rubio can act based on principles previously applied in cases against other anti-Israel figures.

Neuer stressed that Albanese’s exploitation of her position to disseminate hatred and legitimize terrorism necessitates an unequivocal response from the U.S. government. “Legal clarity is evident; procedural malpractice like this should lead any proper court to recognize that her appointment is invalid,” he stated.

Response from the U.N. Human Rights Council

Pascal Sim, spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights Council, responded to the allegations presented by U.N. Watch. Sim confirmed that Albanese was appointed on April 1, 2022, noting that she began her duties on May 1, 2022. Sim stated that according to the established principle of serving no longer than six years in such positions, Albanese is eligible to serve as Special Rapporteur until April 30, 2028.

Furthermore, Sim stated that there has not been any formal or informal process to ‘reappoint’ or ‘renew’ any Special Procedures mandate-holder within the Human Rights Council. When the Council nominates individuals for these roles, it does so with the understanding that they may serve for a full six-year term.

Persistent Opposition from Lawmakers

As the U.N. prepared for Albanese’s reappointment earlier this month, opposition from U.S. lawmakers intensified. Rep. Brian Mast, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, urged the U.N. not to advance Albanese’s reappointment. His letter to U.N. Human Rights Council President Jürg Lauber highlighted Albanese’s perceived misuse of her role to propagate antisemitic tropes and defend terrorism.

Notably, international criticism towards Albanese is not new. Various countries, including the United States, have condemned her for her statements. The Anti-Defamation League has compiled a record of her antisemitic and anti-Israel remarks over the years, underscoring concerns about her influence in the U.N.

Contentious Remarks and Social Media Activity

In October 2024, while serving as a U.N. appointee, Albanese posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, endorsing a piece by journalist Chris Hedges. This article claimed that the Israel lobby controls Congress, suggesting that donations from Zionists hinder the peace process. Such statements further inflame tensions between various factions within the international community.

Additionally, Albanese faced backlash for comparing Israel’s military actions in Gaza to the Holocaust, alongside referring to the Gaza Strip as a “concentration camp of the 21st century” in August 2024. These remarks have only intensified calls for accountability regarding her role and conduct within the U.N.

Fox News Digital has reached out to both Francesca Albanese and the State Department for comment regarding these developments but has yet to receive a response.

Rising Scrutiny of U.N. Appointees

The situation surrounding Albanese exemplifies the rising scrutiny of U.N. appointees and the controversies that often accompany their appointments. U.N. Watch’s demands for action against her reflect a broader call for accountability within international organizations, particularly regarding individuals that engage in or endorse inflammatory rhetoric.

The forthcoming months will be pivotal as the U.S. government navigates its stance on this issue. Observers will be looking closely at how the Biden administration responds to these serious allegations against an influential U.N. figure. The implications of these responses could resonate broadly, influencing international relations and the ongoing discourse around sensitive issues such as human rights and Middle East policy.