Francesca Albanese, an Italian international lawyer and UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights since her appointment in May 2022. Albanese's career is marked by her commitment to international law and her critical stance against Israeli occupation, which she argues violates human rights and international norms. Born in 1977 in Italy, she has faced significant backlash for her positions, including smear campaigns accusing her of anti-Semitism, particularly from Israeli and U.S. officials. Despite this, she continues to advocate for Palestinian rights and has produced extensive research on the legal status of Palestinian refugees.
Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Pisa, a Master's from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, and ongoing doctoral research at the University of Amsterdam. Albanese has worked with various UN agencies and has published numerous papers and books on Palestinian issues, including the legal status of refugees and the implications of Israeli policies. In her reports to the UN, she has described the situation in Gaza as genocidal, drawing attention to the humanitarian crises exacerbated by Israeli military actions.
Albanese's reports have sparked international dialogue, particularly her assertion that Israel's actions constitute apartheid and genocide. She has called for global action to end the occupation and has been unyielding in her criticism of the Israeli government's policies, which she describes as systematic violations of human rights. Her work, however, has not come without personal risk; she has received threats and faced political pressure but remains committed to her role as an advocate for justice and human rights in Palestine.
