Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Madan B Lokur has been appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC) for a four-year term.
United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC)
The Internal Justice Council (IJC) was established by the UN General Assembly as part of reforms to ensure accountability, independence, and professionalism in the UN’s internal justice system.
Operational Framework:
- Operates under the UN Secretary-General, with oversight from the General Assembly.
- Designed to promote fair and transparent resolution of disputes between UN staff and management.
Primary Objectives:
- Strengthen the administration of justice within the UN.
- Foster a transparent and impartial dispute resolution mechanism.
Powers and Functions:
- Judicial Appointments:
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- Identifies and interviews candidates for positions in the UN Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) and the UN Appeals Tribunal (UNAT).
- Recommends 2-3 candidates for each vacancy to the General Assembly, ensuring equitable geographical representation.
- System Oversight:
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- Advises the General Assembly on justice system implementation.
- Monitors the independence and accountability of the internal justice framework.
Chairperson Appointment:
- Selection Process: Chosen by consensus among the Council’s four other members.
- Official Appointment: Made by the UN Secretary-General.
- Term Duration: Four years, with Justice Lokur’s current term ending on November 12, 2028.
Council Structure:
- Comprises five members:
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- One Staff Representative.
- One Management Representative.
- Two Distinguished External Jurists (nominated by staff and management).
- One Chairperson (selected by consensus).
