Secretary-General Lauds Progress in Internal Justice in Message to Departing United Nations Judges

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by Sahle-Work Zewde, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, on the occasion of the valedictory ceremony for judges of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal, in Nairobi today

I am pleased to join you in honouring and commending the service of Judge Vinod Boolell, Judge Thomas Laker and Judge Coral Shaw as judges of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal.

The reformed system of administration of justice at the United Nations will mark its seven-year anniversary on 1 July.  Much has been accomplished over that period to realize the General Assembly’s vision of an independent, transparent, professionalized, adequately resourced and decentralized internal justice system.  The high-level panel that conducted an interim independent assessment of the system found that this vision is well on its way to being realized.  This is due in large measure to the efforts of the Dispute Tribunal.

The upcoming anniversary will also mark the first major transition of the judiciary.  This will be a milestone in the maturation of the internal justice system.  It is an opportune time to reflect upon the legacy of the three departing judges.

Judge Boolell has been instrumental in establishing the Dispute Tribunal in Nairobi.  Judge Laker has done the same in Geneva.  Judge Shaw has played a critical role in dealing with the caseload in all of Geneva, Nairobi and New York.  All three have contributed to the over 2,100 applications that the Dispute Tribunal has dealt with since its inception.

On behalf of the Organization, I wish to express deep appreciation for your work and service.  You return home to Mauritius, Germany and New Zealand with my best wishes and the gratitude of the United Nations.