Antisemitism in International Human Rights Bodies

Baroness Deech Excerpts

Thursday 26th March 2026 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Baroness Deech]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to coordinate with international partners to address the proliferation of antisemitism in international human rights bodies, as reported by organisations such as UN Watch and NGO Monitor.

[The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Baroness Chapman of Darlington) (Lab)]

My Lords, after the heinous events in north London just a few days ago, we must state once more that antisemitism has no place in our or any society. This Government are committed to stamping it out wherever and however it occurs, both in the UK and around the world. At the UN, OSCE and other multilateral fora, we consistently speak out against antisemitism and co-ordinate effective action to combat it in collaboration with international partners. This includes raising concerns directly at senior levels when they arise.

[Baroness Deech (CB)]

My Lords, I am sorry that two Questions this morning have to deal with antisemitism—I never thought it would come to this. Unfortunately, the United Nations and other bodies, such as Amnesty International and the United Nations Human Rights Council, treat Israel—and have done for a long time—as the emblem of everything that is bad in the world, making no distinction between Jews and the state. For example, the resolutions they have passed over the last few years greatly outweigh resolutions on any other state. The epitome of this perversion is Francesca Albanese, special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, whose antisemitic comments verge on the deranged, blaming Mossad for the Charlie Hebdo murders, comparing Israel with the Third Reich and calling it the common enemy of humanity, and saying the BBC is an Israel lobby. Will the UK join France, Germany, Czech and Austria in calling for her dismissal?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I hear what the noble Baroness is saying and it is true. I agree that Francesca Albanese has a history of making inflammatory comments such as this. Although special rapporteurs do not represent the UN, they are associated with the UN. We understand that they are independent, but it matters, and we have raised these concerns directly. The right way for this to be done is that special rapporteurs need to have objectivity and credibility. Where there are concerns, the comments that have been made need to be tested against the code of conduct, and then appropriate decisions ought to be taken.