London, 13th February 2026 – ICJP fully support the mandate and vital work of the UN Special Procedures, including UN Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese. Their independence is absolute, protected from interference by states, and vital to the effective execution of their mandates.
Albanese has been the subject of numerous illegitimate attempts to discredit her, due to her willingness to report on Israel’s violations of international law, without bowing to political pressure of foreign states. Her first report recommended that states develop a plan to end Israel’s occupation and apartheid, and she has reported to the UN Human Rights Council on how Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide under international law.
In the most recent developments, the foreign ministers of France and Germany have called for her resignation, based on a claim that does not appear in the published transcript of her remark. This represents a troubling escalation of the smears and attacks that she has already faced. As confirmed in an interview on FRANCE 24, the statement attributed to her was not made.
The French Foreign Minister initially called for her resignation in response to a French parliamentarian’s request. The parliamentarian, Caroline Yadan, has openly made comments about her intent to use her role to advance pro-Israeli causes, having previously said: “I also do everything to show the French people the positive aspects of Israel and present the country in a positive light.”
These attempts to discredit her come in the context of her reporting on serious allegations of violations of international law by Israel in Palestine. Efforts to pressure states, including for the UK to follow suit, risk undermining the independence of UN mandate holders and eroding the integrity of the international mechanisms that are fundamental to human rights.
It is important that the UK does not give in to foreign state pressure and instead supports the independence, mandate and vital work of the UN Special Procedures and UN Special Rapporteurs.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians is an independent organisation of lawyers, politicians and academics who support the rights of Palestinians and aim to protect their rights through the law.
- For more information, or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, please contact the ICJP news desk at [email protected].
Image: Rafael Medeiros via Wikimedia Commons
