The United Nations Human Rights chief, Volker Turk, has prompted the reversal of US sanctions against a Special Rapporteur of the UN Human Rights Council, Francesca Paola Albanese, who repeatedly accused Israel of genocide.

The UN Human Rights chief, in a statement, said the role of Special Rapporteurs is to address sensitive and often divisive issues that are of international concern, and therefore called for an end to attacks and threats against them.

“UN Special Rapporteurs, along with other parts of the human rights ecosystem, address – by their nature – sensitive and often divisive issues, that are of international concern,” he said, “Attacks and threats against Special Procedures mandate holders, as well as key institutions like the International Criminal Court, must stop.”

This follows a statement issued on Wednesday, July 9, by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing the sanctioning of Francesca Paola Albanese for several controversial positions, including her repeated allegations of genocide against Israel.

“The United States has repeatedly condemned and objected to the biased and malicious activities of Albanese that have long made her unfit for service as a Special Rapporteur. Albanese has spewed unabashed antisemitism, expressed support for terrorism, and open contempt for the United States, Israel, and the West.”

In defense of Albanese’s work, Volker Turk emphasized that the solution to such issues is not suppression, but rather more open debate and dialogue.

“The solution is not less, but more, debate and dialogue on the very real human rights concerns they address.”