About the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC)

 Why in News ?Former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur was appointed Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council for a term ending on November 12, 2028.

About the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC):

The United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC) is a body established to support the internal justice system of the United Nations. It plays a critical role in ensuring accountability, fairness, and transparency in addressing disputes and disciplinary matters within the UN system.

Key Features of the Internal Justice Council

1. Purpose:
   The IJC aims to uphold the principles of justice and due process for staff members of the United Nations by overseeing the functioning of the organization’s internal justice mechanisms.
2. Responsibilities:
   • Assists in ensuring the independence and integrity of judges within the UN’s internal justice system.
   • Provides recommendations for the appointment or reappointment of judges to the UN Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) and the UN Appeals Tribunal (UNAT).
   • Monitors the functioning of these tribunals to enhance their effectiveness and fairness.
3. Structure:
   • The Council consists of five members, including:
     • Two staff members nominated by the UN staff.
     • Two representatives of management.
     • One independent chairperson selected by consensus.
4. Internal Justice System:
   • The UN’s internal justice system addresses employment-related disputes and other internal matters for staff.
   • It includes:
     • UN Dispute Tribunal (UNDT): Handles first-instance cases related to administrative decisions affecting staff.
     • UN Appeals Tribunal (UNAT): Reviews appeals against judgments of the UNDT and decisions of other UN administrative bodies.
5. Significance:
   • The IJC enhances credibility and trust in the UN’s internal processes by ensuring impartiality and professionalism in resolving disputes.
   • It safeguards the rights and obligations of both the organization and its employees, contributing to a fair workplace environment.
6. Challenges:
   • Balancing the interests of staff and management while maintaining judicial independence.
   • Addressing the backlog of cases and ensuring timely resolution of disputes.

Conclusion

The Internal Justice Council is a cornerstone of the United Nations’ commitment to accountability and fairness within its workforce. By providing oversight and recommendations for the internal judicial system, the IJC ensures that the principles of justice and due process are upheld within one of the world’s largest international organizations.