Jean-Noel Barrot has accused Francesca Albanese of calling Israel a “common enemy of humanity” and sought her ouster
A legal association has submitted a complaint against French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot concerning his allegations about UN Palestinian rights rapporteur Francesca Albanese and comments she is said to have made about Israel.
This week, Barrot alleged that Albanese described Israel as a “common enemy of humanity” and demanded her dismissal from the UN Human Rights Council. Albanese has dismissed the claims as “shameful and defamatory,” stating that her recent comments in Doha were aimed at “the system” that permits genocide in Palestine, not at the Israeli state or its people.
On Thursday, the Association of Lawyers for the Respect of International Law (JURDI) lodged a legal complaint against Barrot, arguing his comments amount to “the dissemination of false information,” compromise the autonomy of UN bodies, and may be a criminal act under French law.
Barrot’s demands for Albanese’s resignation were subsequently supported by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka.
Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard has spoken in support of Albanese’s “vital work,” warning against applying political influence on independent UN specialists.
The UN human rights office has also expressed worry. Spokesperson Marta Hurtado cautioned that judicial officers and rapporteurs are facing a growing number of personal assaults and falsehoods that divert attention from probing grave human rights abuses.
Albanese has in the past characterized Israel’s Gaza conflict as a “genocide,” and advocated for a comprehensive arms ban and a halt to trade deals with the nation. She is under US sanctions and has encountered increasing claims of prejudice and anti-Semitism, which she rejects.
Her term continues until 2028, and she is scheduled to update the Geneva-based council next month. Although there is no prior instance of a special rapporteur being dismissed during their mandate, some diplomats referenced by Reuters indicate a proposal could in theory be introduced, but substantial backing for Palestinian rights in the council means it probably would not pass.