UN Dismisses Special Advisor Alice Nderitu After Controversial Gaza Genocide Remarks

The United Nations plans to dismiss Alice Wairimu Nderitu, its Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, following her controversial statement that Israel’s actions in Gaza do not constitute genocide.

Initial reports from the Wall Street Journal suggested potential political motivations behind the non-renewal of her contract, though the UN has since provided a different perspective. Nderitu’s professional challenges emerged from an article in which she outlined the legal and historical criteria for defining genocide. Drawing comparisons with documented historical atrocities such as the Holocaust, the Rwandan genocide, the Bosnian genocide, and the killings in Sudan, she articulated a nuanced interpretation of the term.

Specifically, she asserted that the current violence in Gaza does not meet the stringent legal definitions of genocide, a stance that has since generated significant international discourse. During a press briefing on November 26, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farah Haq categorically dismissed allegations of politically motivated termination. Haq emphasizes that Nderitu’s contract was naturally concluded after completing her full term, under standard UN employment protocols.

“That’s false. 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. But regarding the definition of genocide, any idea that the secretary-general wanted her term to end because of that is just false,” Haq said.

The spokesperson expresses appreciation for her contributions and highlights that her departure was procedural rather than punitive. Appointed in November 2020, Nderitu succeeded Adama Dieng of Senegal, bringing extensive experience in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Her background includes leading mediation efforts and reconciliation initiatives in Kenya, credentials that initially recommended her for this critical diplomatic role.