“A String of Hope” Gratitude and Recognition for Francesca Albanese The UN Rapporteur for the Palestinian Territories receives 2025 Dries van Agt

On a dark, cold, and gloomy February evening, the New Kerk in The Hague was illuminated with the light of hope, camaraderie, and inspiration. Mesmerized by her bold and beautiful deliverance of hard facts, the audience listened to her with a pin drop silence while experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions, yet Francesca Albanese’s dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to defending international legal principles and human rights felt so solid in connecting her audience with a “String of Hope,” says director Sabra Bano. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian Territories, received the Dries van Agt Award on February 12th, 2025, presented by The Rights Forum in The Hague. The Dries van Agt Award is given to individuals and organizations dedicated to human rights and international law in Palestine. This award recognizes Ms. Albanese`s sharp analysis and steadfast moral compass, making her a formidable advocate for the rights of Palestinian people. Backlash and antisemitism, accusations directed towards her work, and failed attempts to discredit her findings, Albanese remains undeterred. Berber van der Woude, the Chair of the Rights Forum, praised her as a “force of nature” whose courage is contagious, noting her fearless exposure of both Israel’s violations and the West’s double standards. Thank you to the Rights Forum for organizing this evening of inspiration and hope.