Francesca Albanese is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. She was appointed on May 1, 2022 for a three-year term. This term concludes in spring 2025, and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is expected to decide on her reappointment for another term and a meeting is scheduled on April 4, 2025 to consider renewing her mandate for another three years. Under normal circumstances Special Rapporteurs are often rolled over by consensus, especially if the mandate-holder is willing to continue and has upheld the role’s standards. However, Albanese’s reappointment has become contentious and politicized, turning what might have been a quiet renewal into a high-profile decision.

Who Decides?

The UNHRC’s member states will have the final say. Typically, if no states object, an incumbent’s tenure can be extended without much debate. But if objections arise, member states can call for a vote or even propose alternate candidates. As of now, several Western governments allied with Israel have signalled opposition to her continuation, which means the Council may face a vote or at least a heated discussion instead of a simple consensus renewal. 

Time is short – the decision is imminent in early April – so the stakes are high for bothher critics and supporters to make their case before the Council finalizes its vote.

Sign the petition for her reappointment today!