The decision by the United Nations not to renew the contract of Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the Kenyan peacemaker who served as the U.N. special adviser on the prevention of genocide since Nov. 10, 2020, has sparked controversy. The Wall Street Journal editorial board suggested that this decision was politically motivated due to Nderitu’s refusal to classify Israel’s conflict with Hamas as genocide.
However, the U.N. spokesperson, Farhan Haq, clarified that Nderitu’s contract was simply coming to an end as scheduled and was not terminated because of her stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Haq emphasized that it is common for U.N. officials to serve a single term, and Nderitu’s case was no exception.
Despite this explanation, concerns have been raised about the lack of renewal for Nderitu’s contract. Israel’s international spokesman to the United Nations, Jonathan Harounoff, praised Nderitu for her rational and morally clear perspective on the Israel-Gaza conflict and her efforts against hatred and antisemitism.
On the other hand, Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, expressed deep concern over the decision, labeling it as reflective of growing antisemitism within the U.N. system. Lauder called on U.N. officials to reconsider their actions and prioritize combatting hatred and promoting peace and justice.
As the debate continues, the United Nations has yet to announce Nderitu’s successor, leaving a void in the role of special adviser on the prevention of genocide.
