US sanctions UN expert Francesca Albanese, critic of Israel's Gaza offensive : Tom Bateman / BBC News
Article shared by Gautam Banerji
Secretary of State Marco Rubio linked the move to her support for the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Gautam
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70rllxr0kyo
Summary
The United States has sanctioned Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, intensifying its campaign against the International Criminal Court. The move comes after Albanese published a report accusing dozens of multinational corporations of profiting from Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, calling it an “economy of genocide.” Albanese described the sanctions as “mafia style intimidation,” while continuing to defend her mission as rooted in international justice.
The U.S. justification, articulated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, includes accusations that Albanese promoted antisemitism, supported terrorism, and undermined U.S. and Israeli interests. The sanctions are also seen as retaliation for her calls to prosecute U.S. companies allegedly complicit in war crimes. The action has sparked international backlash, with condemnation from Amnesty International and other human rights advocates who argue the move undermines the UN system and silences accountability.
Albanese has long criticized what she sees as Western governments’ failure to uphold Palestinian rights and previously rejected accusations of antisemitism. In February, she condemned Donald Trump’s plan to displace Gaza residents as unlawful and destabilizing. The sanctions announcement coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington, adding further political weight to the timing.
What the Sanctions Include
* Designated as a “Specially Designated National” (SDN) under Executive Order 14203, managed by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This blocks any assets she holds in the U.S. and prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in financial transactions with her.
* Visa restrictions and entry ban: She is barred from obtaining U.S. visas or entering the United States
Quotes
"[O]n this day more than ever: I stand firmly and convincingly on the side of justice, as I have always done." – Francesca Albanese, on X
"I intend to honor that tradition." – Albanese, referencing her legal heritage in Italy
"Governments around the world and all actors who believe in the rule-based order and international law must do everything in their power to mitigate and block the effect of the sanctions against Francesca Albanese." РAgn̬s Callamard, Amnesty International
"It's unlawful, immoral and... completely irresponsible because it will make the regional crisis even worse." – Francesca Albanese on Trump’s Gaza plan
"I also know these member states [making accusations of antisemitism] have done absolutely nothing to abide by international law." – Francesca Albanese, to BBC
"I intend to honor that tradition." – Albanese, referencing her legal heritage in Italy
"Governments around the world and all actors who believe in the rule-based order and international law must do everything in their power to mitigate and block the effect of the sanctions against Francesca Albanese." РAgn̬s Callamard, Amnesty International
"It's unlawful, immoral and... completely irresponsible because it will make the regional crisis even worse." – Francesca Albanese on Trump’s Gaza plan
"I also know these member states [making accusations of antisemitism] have done absolutely nothing to abide by international law." – Francesca Albanese, to BBC
Albanese was concerned that she would become the news instead of the report. People who are interested in this subject might google the report "From an Economy of occupation to an economy of Genocide". UN document A/HRC/59/23.
ReplyDeleteWe posted links to the report last week. In addition to the reference Habib mentions above, readers can find the full report at https://xunicefnewsandviews.blogspot.com/2025/07/report-from-economy-of-occupation-to.html with commentary at https://xunicefnewsandviews.blogspot.com/2025/07/un-report-lists-companies-complicit-in.html
DeleteThere are many efforts at nominating her for the Nobel Peace Prize (as well as doctors in Gaza). She certainly is most deserving and I encourage all our readers to support her. From all the top UN principals she has been the most constantly vocal critic of the genocide in Gaza perpetrated by th3 occupying entity. A true professional and a humane approach has been her hallmark which is most commendable .
ReplyDelete