Francesca Albanese sanctions ‘create chilling effect’ on UN experts, warn rapporteurs
Current and former UN rapporteurs on Thursday denounced US sanctions on Francesca Albanese as an unprecedented measure targeting a critical part of the United Nations’ human rights system.
“It's a dangerous precedent because it creates a chilling effect for all special rapporteurs,” said Agnes Callamard, head of human rights giant Amnesty International and a former UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.
“It undermines their independence and their commitment to do their job without fear or pressure of any kind,” she told Middle East Eye.
“There is also the risk that other governments may engage in copycat if they are unhappy or dissatisfied with a special rapporteur's report.”
UN special rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to monitor, report on and advise on specific human rights issues or country situations.
Read more: Francesca Albanese sanctions ‘create chilling effect’ on UN experts, warn rapporteurs
