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Statements , Press Conferences | OHCHR , UNOG
OHCHR reaction to US sanctions imposed on Special Rapporteur Albanese
SOUNDBITE (English) Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson, UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR): "The High Commissioner was very clear in his call yesterday. He is calling on the United States to promptly reverse the sanctions that they have imposed against the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, Ms. Francesca Albanese. UN Special Rapporteurs are an essential part of the human rights ecosystem. They address very sensitive, often divisive issues, and this is part of their mandate. This is why they were given this mandate by Member States themselves. In the face of fierce disagreement, it is crucial that Member States engage substantively, constructively, rather than resort to punitive measures like this. The High Commissioner is very clear that any attacks and threats against UN special procedures mandate holders, other UN experts, any part of the UN human rights ecosystem, as well as the International Criminal Court and its officials must stop.
The solution is not less, but more debate and dialogue on the very real human rights concerns that they address."
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