Controversy over UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese’s invitation to Dutch Parliament
On Thursday February 13th, Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, is set to speak at the Dutch Parliament. However, her invitation has drawn a lot of criticism, including from Hillel Neuer, director of UN Watch. His organization has published an extensive report calling for her removal from her UN post, citing alleged antisemitic remarks and her support for Hamas.
Allegations against Albanese
Neuer asserts that Albanese is not a human rights defender but rather a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing.’ He agrues that she openly supports Hamas and fuels antisemitism. He points to a 2014 open letter in which she allegedly claimed that the United States is influenced by the ‘Jewish lobby.’ In addition, Albanese repeatedly accuses Israel of committing a Holocaust and compares Israeli leaders to Adolf Hitler. These statements have led to condemnations for antisemitism from Germany, France, Canada, and the United States.
Given the Netherlands’ strong tradition of opposing antisemitism and racism, Neuer expresses deep disappointment that Albanese has been invited to speak in the Dutch parliament. He describes it as “very sad” that the Dutch government is offering her a platform.
Albanese’s UN mandate
Albanese’s official role at the UN is to investigate the human rights situation in the Palestinian territories. However, Neuer argues that her mandate is inherently biased, as it is solely focused on investigating alleged Israeli violations while overlooking human rights abuses committed by Hamas and other groups.
According to Neuer, Albanese’s appointment was politically motivated, with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) backing her candidacy. He claims that political maneuvering within the UN facilitated her rise to an influential position despite her controversial views.
Appeal to the Dutch lawmakers
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Dutch Parliament is set to reconvene on Tuesday afternoon to reconsider Albanese’s invitation. Neuer is urging Dutch politicians to cancel the invitation and even consider legal action against her. He argues that the Netherlands should prosecute Albanese for inciting racial discrimination and supporting Hamas terrorism.
The discussion of Francesca Albanese’s presence in the Dutch Parliament exposes broader divisions over how the Netherlands should position itself in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
