Adviser Who Found No Genocide by Israel Fired by UN

The United Nations has come under fire for its decision not to renew the contract of Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the U.N. special adviser on the prevention of genocide. Critics allege that Nderitu’s dismissal was politically motivated, tied to her refusal to label Israel’s military actions in Gaza as genocide.

The Wall Street Journal editorial board described the move as a “political choice,” asserting that Nderitu’s stance on Israel’s war with Hamas led to her ousting. “She is being dismissed because she has stood firm in her belief that Israel’s war with Hamas isn’t genocide,” the board wrote.

Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, rejected the claims, stating that Nderitu’s term simply ended as scheduled. “Ms. Nderitu’s contract is coming to an end today, but she has now fulfilled her full term, and the secretary-general certainly appreciates the work that she did,” Haq said. He emphasized that most previous special advisers served only one term.

Despite these assurances, critics, including Israel’s international spokesman Jonathan Harounoff, voiced concern over the decision. “It is deeply concerning that the United Nations didn’t renew Nderitu’s contract,” Harounoff said, praising her for recognizing that Israel’s actions in Gaza did not meet the definition of genocide and for her efforts to combat antisemitism.

Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), called Nderitu’s dismissal “deeply troubling,” linking it to what he sees as growing antisemitism within the U.N. system. Lauder noted her leadership in promoting Holocaust remembrance, countering hate speech, and protecting the term genocide from misuse.

“This action not only disregards Ms. Nderitu’s extraordinary commitment to combating hatred, including antisemitism, but it also sends a chilling message about the United Nations’ priorities and values,” Lauder said.

Lauder urged Secretary-General Guterres to reconsider the U.N.’s direction. “When individuals like Ms. Nderitu are removed from positions of influence, and when Israel remains a disproportionate target of condemnation while human rights violators and antisemites are elevated, the United Nations risks losing its relevance as a defender of peace and justice,” he stated.

The United Nations has not yet announced Nderitu’s replacement, leaving questions about the institution’s future handling of sensitive international conflicts and its commitment to impartiality.