In a post on X, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese sharply condemned the continued acceptance of Israel in global institutions, arguing that its ongoing participation reflects a broader “normalization” of what she describes as genocide against Palestinians.

“Israel hasn’t been suspended from the UN, other international fora, UEFA, FIFA, FIBA or cultural events. Genocide continues because it is normalised,” Albanese wrote.

In her post she added: “And then, just like that, accountability in the form of a European boycott begins. Eurovicious no more!”, referencing recent decisions by several European countries to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest over Israel’s participation.

Boycott as a New Form of Accountability

Albanese’s remarks come amid an emerging wave of cultural and sporting withdrawals from Israel-related events. As she pointed out, Israel remains a full participant in multiple major international bodies, a status she argues amounts to tacit approval of its actions.

The boycott movement, including the departure of some European countries from Eurovision 2026, is portrayed by Albanese as a turning point: a moment when public and institutional opinion begins to shift from silence and complicity toward accountability.

Broader Criticism of International Inaction

This is not the first time Albanese has criticized what she calls the “global tolerance” of Israel’s conduct. In recent months, she has urged a full arms embargo, the suspension of trade and financial ties, and a complete international disengagement from Israel.

In a major report presented this year, she accused Israel of turning Gaza into a “testing ground” for weaponry and described the consequences, widespread death, displacement, and destruction, as among the “cruelest genocides in modern history.”

For Albanese, cultural and sporting boycotts are not just symbolic, they represent a new front in the struggle for justice, pressure, and accountability.

As European broadcasters and cultural institutions weigh their participation, and as public pressure mounts, Albanese’s remarks could mark a shift in broader international engagement with Israel. Whether this translates into wider suspension from international forums, sporting bodies or deeper diplomatic action remains to be seen.

But for now, she argued, “Eurovicious no more” might be the start of a new era of accountability.