LIVE: UN experts brief media on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories

Attacks Against the UN Human Rights System: A Press Briefing Summary

Key Concepts:

• Special Procedures (SPs): Independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate and report on specific human rights themes or country situations.
• UN Human Rights Architecture: The interconnected system of treaties, treaty bodies, the Human Rights Council, Universal Periodic Review, and Special Procedures designed to protect and promote human rights globally.
• International Court of Justice (ICJ): The principal judicial organ of the United Nations, settling legal disputes submitted to it by states and providing advisory opinions.
• ECOSOC Status: Economic and Social Council status granted to organizations allowing them to participate in UN activities.
• Neocolonial Domination: A contemporary form of control exerted by powerful nations over less developed countries, often through economic and political means.
• Decolonized Multilateralism: A reimagining of international cooperation based on equality, accountability, and universal application of international law, moving away from historical power imbalances.

I. The Broadening Attack on the UN Human Rights System

The press briefing centered on a coordinated attack against the UN human rights system, specifically targeting Special Procedures mandate holders. The core argument presented by all five experts was that this isn’t isolated criticism, but a deliberate and dangerous assault on the entire architecture designed to protect human rights. Mr. Nicola Levra, Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, emphasized that the system relies on strong pillars – the UN institution itself and member states committed to human rights and international law – and these pillars are currently under threat. He highlighted the unusual nature of five Special Rapporteurs convening for a single press conference as evidence of the severity of the situation. The attacks are spearheaded by Israel and the USA, with concerning signs of complicity or inaction from European states.

II. Historical Context and Current Trends

Mr. Levra referenced past attacks on Special Rapporteurs in the 1980s and 90s, noting that in those instances, the UN General Assembly provided clear support through advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice. This support is currently absent. Mr. George Katugalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, pointed to the US administration’s declaration that the “international order is… a weapon being used against us,” and cited past US military interventions (bombing of seven countries, naval blockade of Cuba and Venezuela, threats against Iran) as evidence of disregard for international law. He specifically identified Gaza as “ground zero for international legality” due to the ongoing genocide.

III. Specific Cases of Attack and Retaliation

The most prominent case discussed was the targeting of Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories. She has faced smear campaigns, sanctions, and calls for her resignation, fueled by what she described as a “notorious” organization with a history of targeting Special Procedures mandate holders. Mr. Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, condemned the sanctions against Ms. Albanese as inappropriate, stating that “international sanctions are for human rights violators and criminals, not for human rights defenders.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining a system where fair criticism doesn’t devolve into “personalized vendettas.” Ms. Albanese detailed the personal toll of the attacks and the obstacles she faces in accessing the occupied Palestinian territories, being forced to operate from Jordan due to Israeli restrictions.

IV. The Role of States and the Erosion of Support

A significant concern raised was the wavering support from some European states. Mr. Katugalos noted that some European foreign ministers initially called for Ms. Albanese’s resignation based on a “doctored video.” While some have since retracted their statements, the initial response was seen as complicity in the “destruction project” led by the USA and Israel. Ms. Hopenheim, from the Working Group on Business and Human Rights, highlighted the need for states to fulfill their human rights obligations and refrain from attacking the UN and its independent experts. She also called on private actors, including businesses, to respect human rights and cooperate with Special Procedures.

V. Broader Implications and Emerging Threats

The experts warned of a broader trend towards undermining international accountability mechanisms and a revival of “neocolonial domination.” Ms. Albanese described the targeting of Special Rapporteurs, judges of the International Criminal Court, and Palestinian civil society organizations as part of this strategy. Mr. Katugalos pointed to the establishment of the “Board of Peace” as an attempt to sideline the UN, with even the World Bank participating and offering economic support. He urged a defense of the UN Charter and opposition to moves against it, including the blockade of Cuba and Venezuela.

VI. Call to Action and Proposed Solutions

The experts issued a strong call to action, urging individuals, civil society organizations, states, and international civil servants to raise their voices in defense of human rights. Ms. Albanese advocated for a “decolonized multilateralism” grounded in equality, accountability, and the universal application of international law. Ms. Hopenheim emphasized the responsibility of businesses to respect human rights and avoid complicity in violations. Mr. Bennett stressed the need to return to “acceptable behavior” where criticism remains fair and doesn’t descend into personal attacks.

Notable Quotes:

• Mr. Levra: “This is not only one special reporter on one specific issue that is at stake today. It is the whole UN human rights architecture that is under attack.”
• Mr. Katugalos: “The international order is not just obsolete. It is now a weapon being used against us.” (quoting the US Secretary of State)
• Ms. Albanese: “The measures [sanctions] against me form part of a broader strategy… aiming at weakening international accountability mechanisms… replacing it with a revived militarized and financially empowered form of neoc colonial domination.”
• Mr. Bennett: “International sanctions are for human rights violators and criminals, not for human rights defenders.”

Data and Statistics:

• Approximately 10,000 Palestinians are currently detained in Israeli jails.
• The US has bombed seven countries.
• The UN human rights system comprises nine major human rights treaties, monitored by treaty bodies, the Human Rights Council, Universal Periodic Review, and approximately 80 independent experts (Special Procedures).

Logical Connections:

The briefing followed a logical progression, starting with the overarching threat to the UN human rights system, providing historical context, detailing specific attacks, analyzing the role of states, identifying broader implications, and concluding with a call to action. Each expert built upon the previous speaker’s points, reinforcing the central argument that the attacks are coordinated and pose a serious risk to the protection of human rights globally.

Conclusion:

The press briefing painted a stark picture of a deliberate and escalating assault on the UN human rights system. The experts presented a compelling case that this attack is not merely about individual mandate holders, but about undermining the foundations of international law and accountability. The call for collective action underscores the urgency of defending the system and ensuring that human rights remain a central tenet of international relations. The experts’ emphasis on a “decolonized multilateralism” suggests a need for fundamental reform to address the power imbalances that contribute to these attacks and ensure a more equitable and just world order.