Francesca Albanese, the United Nations’ special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, just delivered an extraordinarily damning report to the UN on Israeli military operations in Gaza and settlements in the West Bank. This report provided a firestorm of criticism from all directions. During her speaking tour in November 2023, the Italian human rights lawyer came to Australia. She was on invitation from the Australian Friends of Palestine Association and has a very high profile with over a million followers on social media platforms. While in Australia, she presented the prestigious Edward Said Memorial Lecture in Adelaide. Among other appearances, she addressed large audiences at prominent institutions such as the National Press Club.
Albanese’s independent report accuses Israeli leaders of committing crimes against humanity and war crimes. The report’s most serious allegations focus on the way that they have reportedly used starvation as a method of warfare. Her artwork puts a much-needed human face on the dehumanizing treatment of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation in the West Bank. She has been actively vocal in condemning war crime allegations in the current Gaza conflict. Her vocal criticism has earned her accusations of antisemitism from some of her critics – like U.S. Senator Marco Rubio.
Controversial Sanctions and Albanese’s Response
The criticism became even more heated when the Trump administration instituted sweeping sanctions against the ICC, an act that Albanese decried in no uncertain terms. In her final remarks, she shared her disappointment at the level of outright indecency the administration showed during her time on the job.
“I didn’t expect that they had the lack of decency to do that,” she stated during a recent interview.
In response, Albanese condemned the sanctions as attempts to stifle accountability for international law violations. She noted, “This is an administration that has zero respect for international law, for human life, for their very words.” In response to being sanctioned, she remarked, “It seems that I’ve poked the bear in the eye,” indicating her determination to continue her advocacy despite opposition.
Advocacy for Justice and Human Rights
In her long career, Albanese has never wavered from a deep belief in justice, rooted in her professional legal training in Italy. She stated, “I come from a country with a tradition of illustrious legal scholars, talented lawyers and courageous judges who have defended justice at great cost and often with their own life. I intend to honour that tradition.” She vigorously champions the ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leadership. This includes key political allies, such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Albanese’s recent report critiques companies that are connected to Israel’s military campaigns, further emphasizing her belief that these actions contravene international law. She has been very upfront that she isn’t going to allow criticisms or attacks on her character to get to her. Her commitment to her profession will never falter. “I will go ahead, continue doing what I’m doing and that’s it,” she asserted firmly.
The Broader Implications of Albanese’s Work
Albanese’s efforts and public pronouncements have opened up a firestorm of debate around the including the Israeli-Palestinian situation. Even as she pushes to support Palestinian rights, her critics charge that she is antisemitic. These accusations have appeared particularly following her uncompromising, brilliant speeches opposing Israeli apartheid and war crimes.
Senator Marco Rubio articulated his concerns by stating that she “spewed unabashed antisemitism, expressed support for terrorism, and showed open contempt for the United States, Israel, and the West.” Even with such opposition, Albanese is undeterred in her pursuit.
“I stand firmly and convincingly on the side of justice, as I have always done,” she emphasized in her recent statements.
