Countries in the ‘Global South’ recognize Israel’s “settler colonialism” manifested through its illegal occupation of the West Bank and other Palestinian territory, said the UN's independent expert for human rights there, after delivering her first report to the General Assembly.

Francesca Albanese told UN News that many Western States on the other hand, are living behind a “wall of denial” over the issue, and essential rights are non-negotiable when it comes to forging a lasting peace.

She took up her post as Special Rapporteur for Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, earlier this year, and Shireen Yaseen of UN News's Arabic service, began by asking Ms. Albanese why she wanted to take on the Human Rights Council-appointed role.