Joint Committee on European Union Affairs to meet UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese on human rights situation in Palestine

The Joint Committee on European Union Affairs will meet with the United Nations Special Rapporteur Ms Francesca Albanese on Wednesday, November 4^th in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House at 15:30.

The Committee will examine the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the implications for international law and the role and responsibilities of the European Union in responding to the ongoing crisis.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach, Barry Ward TD, said:

"This meeting provides an important opportunity for the Committee to hear directly from the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and to examine the implications for the European Union and its Member States.

Our discussion will consider the European Union's response to the situation, including its obligations under international law, the EU-Israel Association Agreement, the implementation of the International Court of Justice's July 2024 Advisory Opinion and the importance of accountability through international justice mechanisms.

International law and the protection of human rights must be applied consistently. The European Union has an important role to play in upholding these principles, and it is crucial that its policies and actions reflect its stated commitments.

With Ireland holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, this engagement is particularly timely as Ireland has an opportunity to influence the EU's approach to the protection of human rights and international law.

We look forward to a substantive discussion with Ms Albanese on the humanitarian situation, the responsibilities of the European Union and the steps necessary for a lasting peace."

Watch the meeting live on www.oireachtas.ie or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.