Paris: The secretary general of Amnesty International expressed support for the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory following a call by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot for her resignation.

According to Anadolu Agency, Amnesty International's Agnes Callamard emphasized the importance of the independence of UN Special Procedures, including Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, describing any attempts to undermine this independence as a threat to international human rights mechanisms. Callamard reaffirmed support for Albanese's efforts to uphold international law, including condemning the systems enabling the alleged genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Callamard highlighted Amnesty's own denunciation of the political and economic factors behind what it describes as genocide and apartheid, urging states to adhere to their legal obligations and cooperate to end Israel's international crimes. Her comments followed Barrot's condemnation of Albanese's remarks against Israel, labeling them as "outrageous and reprehensible," and calling for Albanese's resignation.

The Association of Lawyers for the Respect of International Law (JURDI) also criticized Barrot's remarks, announcing plans to file a report with the Public Prosecutor of Paris, arguing that Barrot's statements breach the independence of UN mechanisms. JURDI defended Albanese's analysis of international law violations, asserting that her statements target systems rather than nations or peoples.

JURDI accused France of undermining its commitment to international law and multilateralism by seeking Albanese's resignation and mischaracterizing her remarks. It warned that France's actions could endanger Albanese, emphasizing the obligation of UN Member States to protect individuals performing international functions.

Barrot, addressing parliament, criticized Albanese as a political activist rather than an independent expert, claiming her rhetoric harms the Palestinian cause. He stated France's intent to call for her resignation at the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Council session.