Overview
- France, Germany, Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic publicly called for Francesca Albanese to resign, with France saying it will raise the issue at the UN Human Rights Council on February 23.
- Albanese denies labeling Israel a “common enemy of humanity,” saying she criticized a system that enables abuses and accusing opponents of taking her words out of context.
- A transcript of her February 7 remarks in Doha reviewed by Reuters did not describe Israel as a common enemy, reinforcing claims that widely shared clips misrepresented her comments.
- The UN human rights office warned about personal attacks and misinformation targeting independent experts, while the Secretary‑General’s spokesperson said rapporteurs are independent and any action is for member states to pursue.
- Supporters, including more than 100 cultural figures organized by Artists for Palestine, issued an open letter backing her as Jewish leaders renewed calls for removal, even as diplomats note there is no precedent for ousting a rapporteur mid‑term and such a move is unlikely to pass.