Pax Christi statement on sanctions against Francesca Albanese

Pax Christi International has issued the following statement in response to sanctions imposed by the US government on Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Palestinian territories.

Pax Christi International stands in unequivocal support of Francesca Albanese UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, following the recent sanctions imposed on her by the United States. These sanctions represent a deliberate attempt to silence vital voices advocating for justice, peace, and human dignity.

Francesca Albanese's report, 'From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide' exposes in detail how corporate interests profit from Israel's illegal occupation of the West Bank and its on-going destruction of Gaza. This report identifies those corporations who are complicit in perpetuating an elaborate system of domination and oppression. It is a crucial call to the international community - individuals, organisations, countries - to sever business engagements which undermine the flourishing of human rights, the promotion of the common good, and the pursuit of justice for all peoples.

Special Rapporteurs, such as Ms Albanese, are independent human rights experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor, advise, and publicly report on human rights situations in specific countries or thematic areas. Operating under the "special procedures" mechanism and serving in their personal capacity without financial remuneration, their mandate includes responding to individual complaints, conducting research to document abuses, providing technical advice, and undertaking country visits to assess human rights conditions. These functions are vital to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice.

In Ms Albanese's words: "Peace is not a distant dream; it is a responsibility we carry together, grounded in truth and justice."

It is precisely this responsibility that the international community must uphold, resisting any efforts to undermine accountability and transparency.

The pursuit of a just peace requires confronting uncomfortable truths and standing firm against injustice, in fidelity to our shared legal and moral obligations.

Pax Christi International calls on all states and actors to protect the independence and safety of all Special Rapporteurs and to ensure their unimpeded ability to report on human rights abuses.

We urge an immediate, unlimited ceasefire and the safeguarding of Palestinian lives and rights.

In solidarity with Francesca Albanese, we reaffirm our commitment to nonviolence, truth, and the enduring hope that justice will be achieved.

As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, please consider supporting our efforts to build just peace and promote nonviolence around the world. Any gifts made this summer will be matched by an anonymous donor, doubling their impact. Your generosity allows us to implement programmes, develop resources, and act in solidarity with those made vulnerable. Thank you!

LINK

'From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide' -
www.un.org/unispal/document/a-hrc-59-23-from-economy-of-occupation-to-economy-of-genocide-report-special-rapporteur-francesca-albanese-palestine-2025/