Three Flemish universities honour UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese with joint honorary doctorate
Brussels, 19 January 2026 – Vrije Universiteit Brussel, together with the University of Antwerp and Ghent University, will award a joint honorary doctorate to Francesca Albanese on 2 April. Albanese is a human rights lawyer and United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories.
The honorary doctorate recognises Francesca Albanese’s exceptional commitment to the protection of human rights and the strengthening of international law. The Italian jurist worked for more than ten years as an adviser to various United Nations departments and was appointed Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories in 2022. Her mandate was renewed in 2025.
For the three universities, this joint distinction is a first in Flanders. It reflects a shared academic conviction: that universities bear a societal responsibility to defend fundamental rights, critical thinking and international justice, including—and especially—in complex and polarised contexts.
The choice of Francesca Albanese underscores the importance of independent UN mechanisms and multilateral cooperation for the peaceful coexistence of states and peoples. Her work makes a significant contribution to both international law and the broader societal debate on responsibility, justice and human dignity.
Rector of VUB Jan Danckaert: “Vrije Universiteit Brussel stands for free inquiry, critical dialogue and an unwavering commitment to human rights. With this honorary doctorate, we recognise not only Francesca Albanese’s academic and legal expertise, but also her courage in consistently defending international law. In turbulent times, it is essential that universities continue to emphasise the importance of international law.”
With this joint honorary doctorate, the University of Antwerp, Ghent University and Vrije Universiteit Brussel reaffirm their commitment to academic freedom, international solidarity and the universal protection of human rights.
The academic ceremony will take place on 2 April at the Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp.
