UAntwerpen, UGent and VUB jointly award honorary doctorate to Francesca Albanese
Flemish universities crown commitment to human rights and international law
In the Queen Elisabeth Hall on Thursday morning, UAntwerpen, UGent and VUB awarded the honorary doctorate for general merit to Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories. "For us, Albanese symbolises all those who do still respect the international order," they said.
For the very first time, three Flemish universities joined forces to jointly award an honorary doctorate. That honour fell to Italian lawyer Francesca Albanese for her exceptional commitment to human rights and international justice. The human rights specialist worked for about 10 years as an advisor to various United Nations departments and was appointed Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories in 2022. Her appointment was renewed in 2025.
Broader than Palestine
"With this honorary doctorate, we want to pay tribute together to Francesca Albanese and the tirelessness with which she fulfils her task," says Herwig Leirs, rector of UAntwerpen. "In these turbulent times, international treaties seem worthless and human rights are constantly being violated. For us, Albanese symbolises everyone who does still respect the international order. The recognition for her work is a recognition for the work of all those people. The perspective for us is therefore broader than just the Palestinian territories."
The three universities stress that the honorary doctorate is in no way directed against any community. "We want to bring a positive message: let's work together for a better world," said VUB rector Jan Danckaert. "As VUB, we have always stood behind international law and the individuals and institutions that embody it. Aspects such as dialogue, which the UN stands for, and independent expertise, such as Albanese's work, are closely aligned with the core values of our universities."
Nuanced social debate
The joint ceremony is unique, but also logical, according to UGent rector Petra De Sutter. "After all, in numerous matters we are united with each other and look at things in the same way. Just one example: our universities attach great importance to an honest and nuanced social debate, based on well-considered and fact-based arguments. Francesca Albanese provides well-documented and legally grounded analyses on human rights violations in Gaza and elsewhere. Thus, she brings lasting attention to the human drama taking place there. Her work provides a basis for the work of international courts."
"I stand here humbly, but also with an uneasy feeling, in a world where rules are increasingly violated and ignored. Even in war, rules apply, but today they are violated en masse and civilians are deliberately targeted. Attempts to silence me have not succeeded so far," Francesca Albanese stated after receiving her honorary doctorate. "Human rights should never be seen as a threat. Change often starts faster in people's hearts than within institutions, which is why I draw hope from universities and students who speak out where others hesitate. This recognition is not just for me, but for everyone who continues to fight for justice," she concluded.
The ceremony at the Queen Elisabeth Hall was attended by more than a thousand people. On Thursday afternoon, Francesca Albanese also gave an academic master class for just over 500 attendees at UAntwerpen's Rector Dhanis Aula.
Tineke Sonck
