Jakarta. United Nations human rights expert Francesca Albanese has sharply criticized the US-led Board of Peace, questioning Indonesia's participation in an initiative she argues undermines international law and the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, made the remarks during a forum hosted by Amnesty International Indonesia in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The Board of Peace, launched in January at the initiative of US President Donald Trump, is linked to a plan for an International Stabilization Force intended to support security arrangements in Gaza. Indonesia joined the initiative as a founding member and has reportedly agreed to contribute personnel to the proposed force.

Albanese questioned whether participation in the initiative was consistent with Indonesia's longstanding diplomatic support for Palestinian independence and self-determination.

She also criticized UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which endorsed the framework for the Board of Peace, arguing that the arrangement "is not in line with the Palestinian people's right to self-determination or international law."

"I think that it reflects a tragic moment for multilateralism, because we are moving from the rule of law to the rule of lawlessness under pressure from one country that remains the most influential, and is likely supported by others who would benefit from the collapse of the multilateral order that has so far protected most of us, or at least from a global war," Albanese told the forum.

She warned that international institutions were failing to uphold legal protections for civilians and argued that political arrangements for Gaza must comply with international law.

Albanese called for an approach grounded in the findings and legal principles articulated by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), rather than political compromises that, in her assessment, could perpetuate the occupation.

She stressed the need to end Israel's unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, halt settlement activity and address the harm suffered by Palestinians.

Her remarks reflected her broader criticism of international efforts that she believes prioritize political expediency over Palestinian rights.

Tourism Industry Faces Human Rights Questions
Albanese also addressed the responsibilities of the tourism industry when commercial interests intersect with allegations of serious human rights violations.

Responding to a question about visits by Israeli citizens, including former military personnel, to Indonesia and other countries, she argued that tourism businesses should consider ethical concerns alongside the potential economic benefits of welcoming visitors.

"Do 1,000 or 100,000 tourists have an economic impact? Perhaps, but for me, values are more important than money. And I think this is a choice we need to make," Albanese said.

She suggested that tourism operators, including hotels, restaurants and businesses at popular destinations, could publicly express solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to alleged atrocities.

Albanese also argued that allegations involving former Israeli military personnel should not be ignored merely because the individuals were traveling as tourists.

However, allegations against particular individuals should be assessed on the basis of evidence, and military service or Israeli nationality alone does not establish responsibility for violations of international law.

Albanese said she was interested not only in accountability but also in changing attitudes and preventing further abuses.

"I want change. I want this to be the last crime Israel is allowed to commit against the Palestinian people," she said.

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