Francesca Albanese Removed from Georgetown University Amid Controversy

Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on Palestinian territories, has been removed as an “affiliated scholar” from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. This change follows a campaign launched by UN Watch, an independent organization based in Geneva that monitors UN activities. The campaign aimed to highlight Albanese’s alleged support for terrorism and antisemitism, prompting calls for her removal from the university.

UN Watch provided screenshots indicating that Albanese was previously the first name listed on the “Other Affiliated Scholars” page of Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of International Migration. Both her name and her biography have since been removed from the university’s website.

During an event in Sicily on August 8, 2025, Albanese made statements regarding Hamas that have attracted significant attention. She stated, “People continue to say, ‘But Hamas, Hamas, Hamas…’ I don’t think people have any idea what Hamas is. Hamas is a political force that won the 2005 elections—whether we like it or not.” Albanese described Hamas as a governing authority that has built schools and hospitals, arguing that public perception often mischaracterizes the organization.

In a previous instance in July 2014, Albanese raised eyebrows by fundraising for her former employer, UNRWA, while making comments about America being “subjugated by the Jewish lobby.” She later apologized for her choice of words, acknowledging its offensive nature and expressing regret for the impact of her statement.

Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, welcomed the university’s decision to remove Albanese. He commented, “Academic institutions have a responsibility to uphold basic standards of integrity and human dignity. Removing an official who has repeatedly trafficked in antisemitic rhetoric and justified terrorism is a necessary step toward restoring those standards.” Neuer emphasized the importance of accountability for those in positions of authority at the United Nations.

While UN Watch has claimed responsibility for Albanese’s removal, it is worth noting that she also faced US sanctions in July, becoming the first UN official to encounter such measures. The sanctions were imposed due to what Marco Rubio, a senior US senator, described as “biased and malicious activities” that render her unfit for her role. Rubio stated, “Albanese has spewed unabashed antisemitism, expressed support for terrorism and open contempt for the United States, Israel and the West.”

Following the sanctions, Albanese has spoken publicly about their impact, stating, “It’s really impairing as a person. It creates a chilling effect around you, because anyone who engages with a US-sanctioned person risks being arrested and subjected to very heavy fines.”

Neuer further urged the UN to follow Georgetown’s lead, suggesting that there should be no place in the human rights system for officials who promote hatred and excuse terrorism. Albanese has consistently denied the allegations of antisemitism, contending that such claims have been “weaponised” against her.

Attempts to reach both Georgetown University and Francesca Albanese for comments were unsuccessful. The developments surrounding Albanese’s removal have sparked discussions about accountability within academic and international institutions, particularly in how they address controversial figures.