Comment By UN High Commissioner For Human Rights Volker Türk On U.S. Sanctions Against Francesca Albanese
I urge the prompt reversal of U.S. sanctions against a Special Rapporteur of the UN Human Rights Council, Francesca Albanese, in response to work she has undertaken under the mandate on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory.
UN Special Rapporteurs, along with other parts of the human rights ecosystem, address – by their nature – sensitive and often divisive issues, that are of international concern.
Even in face of fierce disagreement, UN Member States should engage substantively and constructively, rather than resort to punitive measures.
Attacks and threats against Special Procedures mandate holders, as well as key institutions like the International Criminal Court, must stop. The solution is not less, but more, debate and dialogue on the very real human rights concerns they address.
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