GENEVA – In response to the publication of a new report by United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, which includes a list of major companies operating in Israel, World Jewish Congress Executive Vice President Maram Stern issued the following statement:
“Ms. Albanese’s report is yet another example of her repeated misuse of her mandate to advance a political agenda rather than to uphold the universal principles of human rights. The report promotes a deeply biased narrative that ignores the complex realities on the ground—including the ongoing threat of terrorism faced by Israeli civilians and the continued captivity of over 50 hostages held by Hamas—and lacks the neutrality, rigor and fairness expected of any UN report. Particularly outrageous is the targeting of companies operating within Israel’s internationally recognized borders, which is a clear attempt to delegitimize the very existence of the Jewish state under the guise of human rights.
“This is not the first time Ms. Albanese has abused her position. She has repeatedly employed antisemitic rhetoric, including her suggestion that the United States is ‘subjugated by the Jewish lobby’ and her outrageous comparisons between Israeli policies and Nazi atrocities.
“The Human Rights Council must urgently hold Ms. Albanese accountable for her conduct, and her consistent violation of the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality and accountability. Her continued presence does lasting damage to the UN’s reputation and the cause of human rights worldwide.”
About the World Jewish Congress
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) is the international organization representing Jewish communities in 100 countries to governments, parliaments and international organizations.