SECRETARY-GENERAL ATTENDS SWEARING-IN CEREMONY FOR 15 JUDGES

OF NEW UNITED NATIONS INTERNAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

 

On Monday, 22 June, the 15 judges who are to serve on the new United Nations Dispute Tribunal and Appeals Tribunal all participated in a swearing-in ceremony in the presence of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.  The tribunals are part of a comprehensive reform of the Organization’s internal justice system, dealing with work-related disputes and disciplinary matters, due to begin on 1 July 2009.

The Secretary-General remarked that for him to be able to address the judges was a historic moment.  After many years of negotiations and planning, the new system was going to be a reality.  He was hopeful that it would be more professional and independent, while also contributing to greater accountability in the Organization.  The judges, for their part, expressed pride and excitement about the important task ahead of them, which they took very seriously.

Assembled at New York Headquarters this week, the judges are attending an induction programme and organizational meetings in preparation for the new system of administration of justice.  One of the main activities will be to discuss and adopt the rules of procedure of the new tribunals.

The judges were appointed by the General Assembly earlier this year, and come from 15 different countries.  For the first time, judges were elected on the basis of recommendations of the independent Internal Justice Council, consisting of members nominated by staff and by management, and following strict criteria set by the General Assembly.

As of 1 July 2009, the United Nations will have a two-tier judicial system to address work-related disputes.  However, to avoid unnecessary litigation, the new system will also promote the informal resolution of conflicts, with strengthened ombudsman and mediation services.

Judges of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT):
Vinod Boolel ( Mauritius)	Full-time judge in UNDT Nairobi
Mehmooda Ebrahim-Carstens ( Botswana)	Full-time judge in UNDT New York
Thomas Laker ( Germany)	Full-time judge in UNDT Geneva
Goolam Kader Meeran ( United Kingdom)	Half-time judge (rotating duty stations)
Coral Shaw ( New Zealand)	Half-time judge (rotating duty stations)
Michael Adams ( Australia)	Ad litem judge in UNDT New York
Jean-Francois Cousin (France)	Ad litem judge in UNDT Geneva
Nkemdilim Amelia Izuako ( Nigeria)	Ad litem judge in UNDT Nairobi
Judges of the United Nations Appeals Tribunal:
Sophia Adinyira ( Ghana)
Rose Boyko ( Canada)
Jean Courtial ( France)
Kamaljat Singh Garewal ( India)
Mark P. Painter ( United States)
Luis Maria Simon ( Uruguay)
Ines Weinberg de Roca ( Argentina)

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For information media • not an official record