Francesca Albanese is an Italian international human rights lawyer and academic, currently serving as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. Appointed in May 2022, she is the first woman to hold this position.
Born on March 30, 1977, in Ariano Irpino, Italy, Albanese holds a law degree with honors from the University of Pisa and a Master of Laws in human rights from SOAS University of London. She has also served as an Affiliate Scholar at the Institute for the Study of International Migration at Georgetown University and as a senior advisor on Migration and Forced Displacement at the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD).
Albanese has worked extensively with various UN bodies, including the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Her expertise focuses on human rights, international law, and the Middle East, particularly concerning Palestinian refugees and displaced populations.
Her statements have led to significant controversy. In February 2024, the Israeli government declared her persona non grata, denying her entry into the country . In July 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on Albanese, accusing her of promoting antisemitism and supporting terrorism. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized her actions as “illegitimate and shameful,” while Albanese condemned the sanctions as an “obscene” attempt to silence her advocacy for Palestinian rights.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Nationality
Francesca Albanese was born on March 30, 1977, in Ariano Irpino, a town in the province of Avellino, Italy. As an Italian national, she has spent much of her career in international legal and human rights arenas.
Academic Background
Albanese pursued her undergraduate studies in law at the University of Pisa, graduating with honors. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Human Rights from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London. Her academic background laid a strong foundation for her future work in international human rights law.
Professional Career
Early Career and United Nations Involvement
Albanese’s professional journey began in the early 2000s, during which she worked with various United Nations bodies. Between 2003 and 2013, she held positions with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). In these roles, she advised governments and civil society organizations across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions on human rights issues, particularly concerning refugees and migrants.
Academic and Advisory Roles
In addition to her work with the UN, Albanese has been an affiliate scholar at the Institute for the Study of International Migration at Georgetown University since 2015. She has also served as a senior advisor on migration and forced displacement at the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), where she co-founded the Global Network on the Question of Palestine. Her academic and advisory roles have allowed her to influence policy discussions on international migration and Palestinian rights.
United Nations Special Rapporteur
In May 2022, Albanese was appointed as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. She is the first woman to hold this position. In her capacity as Special Rapporteur, she has produced several reports highlighting human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories. Notably, in March 2024, she reported to the UN Human Rights Council that Israel’s actions in Gaza amounted to genocide, a statement that has been met with both support and criticism on the international stage.
Advocacy and Notable Cases
Critique of Israeli Policies
Albanese has been a vocal critic of Israeli policies in the occupied Palestinian territories. She has described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocidal and has called for international accountability, including support for International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations into alleged war crimes. Her reports have urged UN member states to impose sanctions and arms embargoes on Israel in response to these actions.
Allegations Against Corporations
In her reports, Albanese has named over 60 companies, including major arms manufacturers and technology firms, alleging their involvement in supporting Israeli settlements and military actions in Gaza. She has called on these companies to cease dealings with Israel and for legal accountability for executives implicated in alleged violations of international law.
Awards and Recognition
International Stefano Chiarini Award
In April 2023, Albanese received the International Stefano Chiarini Award in recognition of her journalistic work covering Palestine and the Middle East. This award highlighted her efforts to bring attention to human rights issues in the region.
Dries van Agt Prize
In February 2025, she was honored with the Dries van Agt Prize by The Rights Forum, an organization that recognizes individuals and organizations committed to human rights and international law in Palestine. The award acknowledged her steadfast dedication to advocating for Palestinian rights.
Controversies and Sanctions
U.S. Sanctions
In July 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on Albanese, accusing her of promoting antisemitism and supporting terrorism. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized her actions as “illegitimate and shameful,” while Albanese condemned the sanctions as an “obscene” attempt to silence her advocacy for Palestinian rights. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, called for a reversal of the sanctions, advocating for constructive engagement over punitive measures.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
Albanese has faced allegations regarding financial misconduct. Reports have suggested that she accepted funding from groups linked to Hamas for travel expenses, which she had claimed were covered by the UN. These allegations have raised questions about her impartiality and adherence to ethical standards.
Personal Life
Family
Albanese is married to Massimiliano Calì, an economist and World Bank official. The couple has two children. Calì has co-authored reports on the economic costs imposed by the Israeli occupation on Palestinians in the West Bank.
Publications
Albanese has authored and co-authored several publications, including:
- Palestinian Refugees in International Law (2020) – Co-authored with Alex Takkenberg, this book examines the legal status and rights of Palestinian refugees under international law.
- J’accuse (2023) – Co-authored with Christian Elia, this book critiques Israeli policies and their impact on Palestinians.
- Quando il mondo dorme (2025) – A collection of stories and narratives from Palestine, shedding light on the lived experiences of its people.
Conclusion
Francesca Albanese’s biography reflects a life dedicated to the pursuit of justice and human rights. Through her work as a legal scholar, UN Special Rapporteur, and advocate for Palestinian rights, she has made significant contributions to international law and human rights discourse. Despite facing significant challenges and controversies, her commitment to her cause remains unwavering, highlighting the complexities and challenges of advocating for human rights in politically sensitive contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Francesca Albanese’s role at the United Nations?
Francesca Albanese serves as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.
What education does Francesca Albanese have?
She holds a law degree with honors from the University of Pisa and a Master of Laws in Human Rights from SOAS University of London.
What are some of Francesca Albanese’s notable publications?
Her notable works include Palestinian Refugees in International Law (2020), J’accuse (2023), and Quando il mondo dorme (2025).
Has Francesca Albanese received any awards?
Yes, she received the International Stefano Chiarini Award in 2023 and the Dries van Agt Prize in 2025.
What controversies has Francesca Albanese been involved in?
She has faced U.S. sanctions and allegations of financial misconduct related to accepting funding from groups linked to Hamas.
Is Francesca Albanese married?
Yes, she is married to Massimiliano Calì, an economist and World Bank official.
Does Francesca Albanese have children?
Yes, she and her husband have two children.
What is Francesca Albanese’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
She has been a vocal critic of Israeli policies in the occupied Palestinian territories and has described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocidal.
Has Francesca Albanese been sanctioned by any governments?
Yes, in July 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on her, accusing her of promoting antisemitism and supporting terrorism.
What is Francesca Albanese’s current position?
She continues to serve as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.
