MEDEL firmly condemns the sanctions imposed by the United States against Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.
Sanctioning an independent UN expert for carrying out her mandate-documenting serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in Gaza- is an outrageous act of political retaliation. It sets a dangerous and unacceptable precedent, undermining the integrity of the UN system and the principle of accountability for mass atrocities.
As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, and with mounting evidence of widespread human rights abuses against the Palestinian population, the work of independent experts like Francesca Albanese is more essential than ever. The attempt to silence her not only threatens her personally; it endangers the international legal framework designed to protect civilians and restrain the abuse of power.
MEDEL echoes the grave concerns expressed by the UN Special Procedures’ Coordination Committee, numerous UN officials, and leading human rights organizations, all of whom have called for the immediate reversal of these sanctions.
MEDEL stands in full solidarity with Francesca Albanese, and calls on all governments committed to human rights and the rule of law to defend the independence of UN mandate holders and to support justice for victims of violations in Gaza and beyond.
19 July 2025
Statement on Gaza and Francesca Albanese (.pdf)