US Slaps Sanctions on UN Expert Albanese Over Israel Criticism

The United States has imposed sanctions on UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese following her critical statements regarding Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Albanese, who serves as the UN expert on human rights in those territories, was accused by Washington of exhibiting a “clear bias” against Israel and not maintaining the objectivity expected from her role. The sanctions, announced by the US Treasury, include the blocking of any US-based assets she holds and a ban on American individuals or entities conducting transactions with her.

In response, Albanese defended her position, stating her assessments are based on observed violations of international law. She expressed concern that the sanctions constitute a retaliatory measure against an independent UN investigator performing her duty.

The move marks a rare and direct intervention by the US into UN human rights processes and raises questions about the independence of UN mechanisms when member states challenge their contributors.

Officials from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reaffirmed their support for Albanese’s mandate.

With input from Al Jazeera