Topics covered: Palestine, Gaza, international law, human rights, genocide, justice, love, humanity, people power, community, solidarity, Zionism, colonialism, racism, feminism, patriarchy, feminine power, motherhood, capitalism, Israeli society, Irish government inaction, political leadership, mainstream media, social media, journalism, Airbnb, corporate accountability, hope, collective responsibility.
My guest this week is Francesca Albanese, an Italian international human rights lawyer who has served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, since May 2022.
Her role involves independently investigating, monitoring and reporting on human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories. Importantly, this is an unpaid, independent UN mandate.
Francesca is also a wife and mother of two, and someone who has paid a considerable personal price for speaking out, including being sanctioned by the United States.
I first met Francesca last March at an event in Galway, and I was deeply struck by her courage, conviction and unwavering commitment to justice. Having the opportunity to sit down with her for this conversation was incredibly meaningful.
Naturally, we speak about Palestine, but this conversation is about so much more.
We explore the power of ordinary people to create change, the importance of community and solidarity, and the frustration felt by so many Irish people at the gap between public support for Palestine and meaningful political action.
Francesca speaks candidly about the role of Western governments, international law, corporate interests and the mainstream media. We discuss the influence of social media and the responsibility of those with power and influence.
She also speaks about patriarchy, feminism and the kind of leadership our world desperately needs.
Ultimately, this conversation is about love, justice and the world we want to live in.
Further reading and resources :
Francesca Albanese's UN reports and publications:
https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-palestine
Anatomy of a Genocide (2024)
From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide (2025)
Gaza Genocide: A Collective Crime (2025)
Previous Ready to Be Real conversations exploring similar themes:
Dr Gabor Maté, Dr Myriam François, Hala Sourani, Caoimhe Butterly, Róisín El Cherif, Misan Harriman, Farah Nabulsi, Fintan Drury, Denise Gough, Ruth Smith, Daniel Maté and Sarah Durham Wilson.
Follow Francesca Albanese on Instagram:
@francesca.albanese.unsr.opt
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