Francesca Albanese, ECR: “Not fit for the role”. Kallas’ response: “Support for the independence of UN Rapporteurs”

A group of Members of the European Parliament from the ECR group has requested clarification from the European Commission regarding the suitability of Francesca Albanese, the current United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The written question, addressed to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, raises concerns about the rapporteur’s impartiality and inclusiveness, referring to certain public episodes, including leaving a debate in which a Holocaust survivor was mentioned and criticism directed at a mayor for mentioning Israeli hostages, which the signatories consider incompatible with the UN mandate.

In particular, the MEPs asked the European Executive to clarify whether Albanese’s statements reflect the position of the European Union and whether Brussels intends to intervene with the OHCHR to challenge what they describe as a lack of impartiality.

Kaja Kallas’ response.

In her official reply, the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, reiterated the EU’s full support for the rules-based multilateral order and for the United Nations system, including human rights protection mechanisms and the independence of mandate holders of the special procedures of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

“The Union,” the response states, “engages with these mechanisms and fully respects their mandates, including that of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied. Brussels also calls on all States to do the same.”

Kallas further stressed that special rapporteurs play an essential role in combating impunity and promoting accountability for serious human rights violations. “Each mandate holder,” she recalled, “is required to comply with the code of conduct adopted by the UNHRC, while the EU has repeatedly called for an end to attacks and threats against rapporteurs appointed by the Council.”

“The European Union,” the response concludes, “will continue to support independent investigations into violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including those that may amount to international crimes.”

Photo UN Photo/Mark Garten