UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese. Photo: The Cradle/file photo.
The punitive measures against the UN expert come one month after Washington sanctioned several ICC judges for investigating US and Israeli war crimes
US State Secretary Marco Rubio announced on 9 July that Washington has sanctioned UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese for her “campaign of political and economic warfare against the United States and Israel.”
“Today I am imposing sanctions on UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese for her illegitimate and shameful efforts to prompt [International Criminal Court] action against US and Israeli officials, companies, and executives,” Rubio said via social media.
Today I am imposing sanctions on UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese for her illegitimate and shameful efforts to prompt @IntlCrimCourt action against U.S. and Israeli officials, companies, and executives.
Albanese’s campaign of political and economic…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 9, 2025
The United States will continue to take whatever actions we deem necessary to respond to lawfare and protect our sovereignty and that of our allies,” Rubio added, stressing that US authorities “stand by our partners in their right to self-defense.”
Last week, Albanese identified more than 60 companies in a report titled “From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide,” accusing arms makers and tech firms of aiding and profiting from Israeli settlements and “military operations” in Gaza.
“While life in Gaza is being obliterated and the West Bank is under escalating assault, this report shows why Israel’s genocide continues: because it is lucrative for many,” Albanese stated in the 27-page report.
She accused corporations of being “financially bound to Israel’s apartheid and militarism,” naming companies such as Lockheed Martin, Caterpillar, Hyundai, Microsoft, Palantir, and others.
Albanese also called for the International Criminal Court (ICC) “to investigate and prosecute corporate executives and/or corporate entities.”
"From economy of occupation to economy of genocide": new report by UN Special Rapporteur @FranceskAlbs exposes corporate forces behind destruction of #Palestine, that have enabled & legitimised #Israel’s illegal presence and actions. #HRC59https://t.co/GFD5noJ1GD pic.twitter.com/2KPP3AtLQI
— UN Special Procedures (@UN_SPExperts) July 3, 2025
The sanctions against Albanese come one month after Washington imposed sanctions on four ICC judges over their role in investigations into war crimes by US and Israeli forces.
Rubio described these punitive measures as a response to the ICC “overstepping its authority and threatening the sovereignty of the US and Israel.”
