THE RIGHT OF RESISTANCE AND STUDENT RIGHTS

PALESTINIANS’ RIGHT TO RESIST

Under international law, oppressed peoples have the right to resist occupation. This right is similar to a state’s right to self-defense. Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, emphasizes this right for Palestinians. However, resistance must respect civilian lives. No action should harm civilians. Albanese points out that, unlike other anti-colonial struggles that are honored (such as Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid), Palestinian resistance is often labeled as terrorism.

Since 9/11, she says, there has been a shift in how the world views self-determination struggles. Instead of seeing resistance as a right, many countries now label it as terrorism. This, she argues, is a double standard that impacts Palestinians unfairly.

STUDENTS AND REPRESSION OF ADVOCACY

Albanese also highlights how students around the world face pressure for standing up for Palestinian rights. These students, often vocal and powerful in advocating justice, find themselves facing backlash. Albanese calls this treatment unjust, as it contradicts the free speech values many countries claim to support.

STUDENT TREATMENT IN DENMARK

In Denmark, students who advocate for Palestinian rights face similar restrictions. This suppression, Albanese argues, is troubling. Denmark, a nation known for democratic values, should support students’ right to speak. However, Denmark’s response to Palestinian advocacy is limited, undermining its reputation for human rights. For Albanese, this shows a disappointing lack of empathy for Palestinian suffering.

GLOBAL DOUBLE STANDARDS IN HUMAN RIGHTS

THE UNITED STATES: SELECTIVE SUPPORT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

The United States is a key ally of Israel, often shielding it from accountability. According to Albanese, this support allows Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank to continue unchecked. While the U.S. occasionally calls for humanitarian assistance, these gestures, Albanese argues, are superficial. She notes that the U.S. provides military support that enables ongoing violence in Palestinian territories.

She is disappointed by this inconsistency. The U.S. often promotes itself as a global defender of human rights. However, its actions in Palestine tell a different story. For Albanese, this selective approach damages America’s credibility in promoting justice worldwide.

DENMARK AND EUROPE: A TROUBLING SILENCE

European countries like Denmark are known for supporting human rights, but they remain largely silent on Palestinian rights. Albanese highlights this silence as a troubling contradiction. While Denmark and its European allies are vocal on human rights elsewhere, they hesitate to condemn Israel’s actions. Denmark’s lack of empathy for Palestinian lives, Albanese believes, is a disappointing reflection of its selective human rights stance.

In fact, Albanese points to Denmark’s Prime Minister as an example. In her speeches, the Prime Minister’s rhetoric often shows a bias, emphasizing the lives of some over others. According to Albanese, this bias suggests a failure to value Palestinian lives equally.

OTHER WESTERN ALLIES: ECHOING ISRAEL’S JUSTIFICATIONS

Albanese criticizes other Western allies who either support Israel or stay neutral. These countries, she says, often repeat Israel’s justifications. They quickly label Palestinian resistance as terrorism, ignoring the broader history of occupation. Albanese finds this one-sided view hypocritical and damaging to international human rights standards.

For her, these Western nations are failing to apply their own values. By not challenging Israel’s actions, they risk undermining the credibility of human rights protections worldwide.

UN ARTICLES AND THE DUTY TO ACT

ARTICLE 6: SUSPENSION OF UN MEMBERSHIP

Albanese references Article 6 of the UN Charter. This article states that any member who persistently violates the principles of the UN Charter can be suspended or expelled. This suspension requires a recommendation from the Security Council and approval by the General Assembly. Albanese believes Israel’s continuous violations make it a candidate for suspension. She argues that if the UN fails to act, it weakens the organization’s credibility.

STATE RESPONSIBILITY: ENDING SUPPORT FOR VIOLATIONS

Under international law, all states have a responsibility to avoid supporting human rights violations. Countries should not recognize, assist, or justify wrongful acts. Instead, they should work to stop them. Albanese claims that countries like the U.S. and Denmark fail this responsibility by supporting or staying silent on Israel’s actions.

CALL FOR UN PRESENCE IN GAZA

PROPOSING A PEACEKEEPING FORCE

Albanese proposes a UN peacekeeping force in Gaza. This force would protect civilians and support a peaceful transition. She stresses that Israel has no right to occupy Palestinian territories and should withdraw. A UN presence, she believes, would help create a buffer, ensuring civilian safety on both sides.

This force would also restore order while Palestinian self-determination processes unfold. Albanese sees this as essential for achieving peace and protecting human rights.

ISRAEL’S BAN ON UNRWA: ATTACKING PALESTINIAN IDENTITY

TARGETING AID AND IDENTITY

Recently, Israel moved to ban UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Albanese calls this an assault on both Palestinian aid and identity. UNRWA provides essential resources and support to Palestinian refugees, many of whom were displaced from areas now within Israel.

For Albanese, banning UNRWA not only limits aid but also erases Palestinian presence. She believes this ban is part of a broader strategy by Israel to control Palestinian territories and weaken international support for Palestinian refugees’ rights.

ALBANESE’S MESSAGE: HUMAN RIGHTS MUST APPLY EQUALLY

In summary, Francesca Albanese’s message is clear: international law and human rights should not be selectively applied. Countries like the U.S. and Denmark must act on their values, not just in words but in meaningful actions. For Albanese, selective empathy risks destroying the credibility of human rights protections.

Denmark, the U.S., and other Western nations should consider the impact of their silence and support on Palestinian lives. Albanese calls on these nations to truly stand for human rights by advocating for justice in Palestine, as they do in other parts of the world. Without consistent action, she warns, the international community risks losing its moral foundation and failing those in need of protection.