Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967

About the mandate

The Special Rapporteur is an independent expert appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council to follow and report on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. 

The task of the Special Rapporteur is to assess the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, report publicly about it, and work with governments, civil society and others to foster international cooperation. The Special Rapporteur undertakes regular visits or missions to the Occupied Palestinian Territory and reports annually to the Human Rights Council. OHCHR provides the mandate holder with logistical and technical assistance. 

The mandate of the Special Rapporteur derives from the 1993 resolution from the Committee of Human Rights. The mandate calls on the Special Rapporteur:

1. To investigate Israel's violations of the principles and bases of international law, international humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967;
2. To receive communications, to hear witnesses, and to use such modalities of procedure as he may deem necessary for his mandate; and
3. To report, with his conclusions and recommendations, to the Commission on Human Rights at its future sessions, until the end of the Israeli occupation of those territories.

Current mandate holder

Ms. Francesca Albanese was appointed the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, by the Human Rights Council at its 49th session in March 2022 and has taken up her function as of 1 May 2022. Ms. Albanese is an Affiliate Scholar at the Institute for the Study of International Migration at Georgetown University, as well as a Senior Advisor on Migration and Forced Displacement for a think-tank, Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD). She has widely published on the legal situation in Israel and the State of Palestine and regularly teaches and lectures on international law and forced displacement at universities in Europe and the Arab region. Ms. Albanese has also worked as a human rights expert for the United Nations, including the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees.

Read Ms. Francesca Albanese full biography.

Former mandate holders

Mr. S. Michael Lynk
(Canada) 2016-2022

Mr. Makarim WIBISONO
(Indonesia), 2014 - 2016

Mr. Richard FALK
(United States of America), 2008-2014

Mr. John DUGARD
(South Africa), 2001-2008

Mr. Giorgio GIACOMELLI
(Italy), 1999-2001

Mr. Hannu HALINEN
(Finland), 1995-1999

Mr. René FELBER
(Switzerland), 1993-1995