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Key Points

The UN has strongly criticized US sanctions against Francesca Albanese, the special rapporteur on Palestinian human rights. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric called the move unacceptable, stressing that rapporteurs operate independently. The sanctions follow Albanese's investigations into alleged Israeli violations in occupied territories. This marks the latest US effort to block international scrutiny of Israel's actions in Gaza.

Key Points: UN Condemns US Sanctions on Human Rights Expert Albanese

  • UN warns sanctions on Albanese set dangerous precedent
  • US targeted Albanese over Israel-Palestine rights probe
  • Special rapporteurs operate independently from UN leadership
  • Trump order enabled sanctions against ICC-linked investigations
2 min read

US sanctions on UN human rights expert unacceptable: UN spokesman

UN spokesman Dujarric calls US sanctions on Francesca Albanese unacceptable, warning of dangerous precedent for human rights investigations.

"The use of unilateral sanctions against special rapporteurs, or any other UN expert or official, is unacceptable. – Stephane Dujarric"

United Nations, July 11

US sanctions against a UN human rights expert are unacceptable, said a UN spokesman.

The imposition of sanctions on UN human rights special rapporteurs is a dangerous precedent, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in response to US sanctions on Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Member states are perfectly entitled to their views and to disagree with the reports by the special rapporteurs, said the spokesman, "but we encourage them to engage with the UN human rights architecture. The use of unilateral sanctions against special rapporteurs, or any other UN expert or official, is unacceptable."

He also noted that Albanese, like all other UN human rights special rapporteurs, is an independent human rights expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council and reporting to the Geneva-based council, Xinhua news agency reported.

Special rapporteurs do not report to the UN secretary-general, who has no authority over them or their work, added Dujarric.

Washington on Wednesday announced sanctions against Albanese over her role in investigating alleged Israeli human rights violations against Palestinians. The move marks Washington's latest efforts to deter international investigations into alleged war crimes committed by Israel amid its ongoing military operations in Gaza.

The sanctions follow an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump in February, which authorised punitive measures against the International Criminal Court for what the administration described as "illegitimate and baseless actions" targeting the United States and Israel.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Double standards much? When India raises human rights concerns in Kashmir, the same Western countries lecture us about international norms. Now they're sanctioning UN experts? Shameful hypocrisy!
A
Arjun K
As an Indian, I believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family). We must support independent investigations into all human rights violations, whether in Palestine, Kashmir or anywhere else. UN experts should be allowed to work freely.
S
Sarah B
While I understand the US has its strategic interests, this sets a dangerous precedent. Next time India wants to investigate human rights abuses in our neighborhood, will we face sanctions too? The UN system must be protected.
V
Vikram M
The timing is suspicious - right when the world is watching Gaza. This looks like an attempt to silence criticism. India should speak up at the UN against such bullying tactics. Our foreign policy should stand for principles, not just pragmatism.
N
Nisha Z
Respectfully, I think we Indians should focus more on our own human rights challenges first before commenting on others. We have enough issues with minority rights and Kashmir to solve at home. Charity begins at home, no?
K
Karthik V
This shows why India needs to push for UN reforms. The current system is too easily manipulated by powerful nations. Time

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