No Peace Without Justice (NPWJ) condemns in the strongest possible terms the unlawful sanctions imposed by the United States against Dr. Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.
The imposition of these sanctions represents a grave assault on the independence and integrity of the UN Special Procedures system—a cornerstone of the international human rights framework that the United States, as a founding member of the United Nations, has pledged to uphold and protect.
A Violation of UN Charter Obligations
The sanctions against Dr. Albanese constitute a direct violation of the United States’ obligations under the UN Charter and international law. As a UN Member State, the United States has committed to:
- Respect the independence of UN mandate holders: Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to carry out their functions independently and impartially. The sanctioning of a mandate holder for performing their duties undermines the entire UN system.
- Uphold the rule of law: The targeting of an independent UN expert for fulfilling her mandate contradicts the fundamental principle that justice and accountability must be pursued without fear or favor.
- Protect human rights defenders: Special Rapporteurs are among the most visible human rights defenders in the international system. Sanctioning them sends a chilling message to human rights advocates worldwide.
Undermining International Justice and Accountability
These sanctions represent a dangerous precedent that threatens the foundations of international justice. By targeting a UN Special Rapporteur for her legitimate work documenting human rights violations and advocating for accountability, the United States is:
- Weaponizing economic measures to silence independent voices and obstruct the pursuit of justice
- Undermining the credibility of international institutions that serve as pillars of the multilateral system
- Encouraging authoritarian regimes worldwide to similarly target and intimidate UN mandate holders and human rights defenders
A Betrayal of American Values and International Commitments
The United States has long proclaimed itself a champion of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. These sanctions betray those very principles and commitments. They represent a departure from the United States’ historic role in establishing and supporting international institutions designed to protect human rights and promote accountability for the gravest crimes.
The sanctions are particularly troubling given that they target an expert whose mandate includes monitoring compliance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law—legal frameworks that the United States has itself helped to develop and has committed to uphold.
The EU Blocking Statute: A Critical Tool for Protection
The European Union possesses a vital instrument to counter these unlawful sanctions through its Blocking Statute (Council Regulation (EC) No 2271/96). The blocking statute prohibits compliance by EU operators with any requirement or prohibition based on the specified foreign laws, and allows companies to recover damages arising from such sanctions, and nullifies the effect in the EU of any foreign court judgment based on them.
As NPWJ has previously emphasized in our statement condemning the sanctions against ICC judges, the EU’s Blocking Statute is a critical tool aimed at shielding European operators from the effects of extraterritorial sanctions. The European Commission must act swiftly to amend the Annex to the Blocking Statute to include Executive Order 14203 and related measures targeting international justice institutions, ensuring that European entities can continue to support and engage with UN officials without fear of secondary sanctions.
Call for Immediate Action
NPWJ calls upon:
The United States Government to:
- Immediately rescind the sanctions against Dr. Albanese
- Recommit to respecting the independence and integrity of UN Special Procedures
- Cease all efforts to undermine international justice mechanisms
The International Community to:
- Condemn these unlawful sanctions in the strongest terms
- Reaffirm support for the independence of UN Special Procedures
- Take concrete steps to protect international institutions from political interference
The European Union to:
- Immediately activate the EU Blocking Statute to protect Dr. Albanese and other UN officials from the extraterritorial effects of US sanctions
- Amend the Annex to the Blocking Statute to include Executive Order 14203 and related sanctions measures targeting international justice institutions
- Provide concrete support to ensure that European financial institutions, businesses, and organizations can continue to engage with sanctioned UN officials without fear of secondary sanctions
- Lead by example in defending the multilateral system and international rule of law
UN Member States to:
- Stand in solidarity with Dr. Albanese and the UN Special Procedures system
- Strengthen protections for UN mandate holders and human rights defenders
- Ensure that the UN Human Rights Council can continue its vital work without intimidation
Conclusion
The sanctioning of UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese represents more than an attack on one individual—it is an assault on the very foundations of international human rights law and the multilateral system. It undermines the principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law that are essential for peace and security worldwide.
NPWJ stands in full solidarity with Dr. Albanese and calls upon the international community to reject these unlawful sanctions and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the independence of international institutions and the human rights defenders who serve them. The pursuit of justice and accountability cannot be silenced by threats or intimidation. The international community must ensure that those who seek to document human rights violations and advocate for the victims of injustice can continue their vital work without fear of reprisal.
