WJC at UNHRC | WJC Calls Out UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese for Antisemitic Remarks

The World Jewish Congress today expressed grave concern over the record of UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, calling her remarks “antisemitic and incompatible with the responsibilities of a UN mandate holder.” Speaking before the Human Rights Council, Mr. Leon Saltiel, WJC Representative to the UN in Geneva, delivered the only intervention at the Council today to publicly criticize Albanese’s history of antisemitic remarks.

Saltiel highlighted that the Special Rapporteur’s reports and public statements have “repeatedly exceeded the bounds of impartial human rights reporting” and have ventured into political advocacy, undermining the credibility of her office. He added that her record includes “remarks that, in multiple instances, are antisemitic and incompatible with the responsibilities of a UN mandate holder,” citing instances where she allegedly invoked tropes of Jewish power, denied the Jewish character of the October 7 massacre, and advanced rhetoric reminiscent of blood libel.

“These concerns have been documented and condemned by leading scholars of antisemitism, by Jewish civil society organizations, and by a number of Member States of this very Council,” Saltiel said, urging other nations to join calls for the mandate holder’s resignation. He stressed that “a mandate exercised in this way cannot command confidence” and weakens the Council’s mechanisms.

The WJC concluded by calling on Member States to ensure that “no one who espouses antisemitism or makes antisemitic remarks is entrusted with a UN mandate.” The WJC has repeatedly criticized Albanese throughout her tenure and has been a leading voice in holding the UN accountable for antisemitic conduct and rhetoric.

Full Remarks Delivered by Mr. Leon Saltiel:

Mr. President,

The World Jewish Congress expresses grave concern over the manner in which this mandate has been exercised. The Special Rapporteur's reports and public statements have repeatedly exceeded the bounds of impartial human rights reporting and instead ventured into political advocacy and biased commentary, undermining the credibility and impartiality required of Special Rapporteurs.

This Special Rapporteur's record reflects repeated remarks that, in multiple instances, are antisemitic and incompatible with the responsibilities of a UN mandate holder. She has invoked tropes of Jewish power and influence, denied the Jewish character of the October 7 massacre, and advanced rhetoric that echoes the logic of blood libel.

These concerns have been documented and condemned by leading scholars of antisemitism, by Jewish civil society organizations, and by a number of Member States of this very Council, several of whom have called for the mandate holder's resignation. The World Jewish Congress urges other Member States to join those calls.

A mandate exercised in this way cannot command confidence. It weakens the Council and diminishes the standing of its mechanisms.

The World Jewish Congress therefore urges Member States to ensure that no one who espouses antisemitism or makes antisemitic remarks is entrusted with a UN mandate.

Thank you, Mr. President.