Watan-The U.S. sanctions imposed on Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Palestinian territories, have triggered strong and widespread solidarity in Morocco. The sanctions, described as unprecedented, were issued following her bold report accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza and documenting the complicity of U.S. and Israeli entities.
Albanese’s report to the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, titled “From the Economy of Occupation to the Economy of Genocide”, accused Israeli forces and the American-based NGO “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation” of turning aid efforts into death traps, killing over 800 Palestinians attempting to reach humanitarian supplies.
Condemnations from Moroccan Political and Civil Groups
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The Justice and Development Party (PJD) condemned the U.S. and Israeli campaign of intimidation and pressure against UN officials, asserting that the goal is to suppress accountability for war crimes. The party voiced firm support for Albanese, who has exposed Israeli war crimes and called for prosecution at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
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The Movement for Unity and Reform, PJD’s ideological partner, called the sanctions a gross violation of UN mechanisms and a threat to the independence of international human rights institutions. The group declared Albanese’s work courageous and essential in confronting Israel’s atrocities in Gaza.
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The Moroccan Democratic Network for Solidarity with Peoples decried the U.S. actions as “thuggish” and imperialist, aimed at silencing voices demanding justice for Palestinians. The group echoed UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s concern about this dangerous precedent.
Public Campaign for Nobel Peace Prize
Prominent Moroccan activists, journalists, and intellectuals have launched a public petition calling for Albanese’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, alongside medical workers in Gaza.
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Journalist and critic Saeeda Cherif stated that awarding Albanese would be the strongest global response to U.S. intimidation.
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Mohamed El Aouni, president of Freedom of Media and Expression Organization, emphasized that her courage deserves international recognition.
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Human rights lawyer Abdelmajid Mrari, speaking on behalf of the legal team before the ICC, labeled the U.S. sanctions a clear violation of international law and a blatant attack on UN independence.
Legal and Human Rights Perspective
Mrari noted that the U.S. sanctions violate the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, which guarantees legal protection to UN officials. He added that this sets a dangerous precedent, threatening the credibility of the UN system and international human rights oversight.
He called on the international community to push back, urging:
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Immediate revocation of sanctions
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Protection for UN investigators
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Support for justice and documentation efforts in Gaza and elsewhere
Key Points from Albanese’s Report and Sanctions
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Albanese linked over 60 U.S. and Israeli corporations to genocide financing through what she called the “economy of extermination.”
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The U.S. imposed sanctions included asset freezes and travel bans, a first-of-its-kind move against a UN mandate holder.
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Albanese responded defiantly, vowing to continue documenting crimes and supporting Palestinian victims, undeterred by threats or restrictions.
Social Media Mobilization
Rights activist Naima Ben Wakrim posted:“The U.S. sanctioned Francesca Albanese for documenting war crimes. The sanctions freeze her assets and ban her from entering U.S. territory. But she won’t stop exposing Israeli atrocities or defending Palestinian victims.”
A Test for International Justice
Francesca Albanese’s case has become a symbol of the struggle between truth and power, and Morocco has emerged as a stronghold of solidarity with her cause. In the face of U.S. pressure, Moroccan civil society continues to amplify her voice, push for UN independence, and demand justice for Gaza.
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