New Delhi: Former Supreme Court judge Madan B Lokur has been appointed chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council.
This prestigious appointment marks another milestone in Justice Lokur’s illustrious career, underscoring his expertise, commitment to justice, and international recognition as a legal luminary.
In a communication to Justice Lokur, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said the retired judge would head the council comprising other distinguished jurists.
Other members of the Council are-Mr Carmen Artigas (Uruguay), a distinguished external jurist, Mr Stefan Brezina (Austria) as Staff representative, and Mr Jay Pozenel (United States of America) as a Management representative.
Justice Lokur’s term ends on November 12, 2028.
Justice Madan B. Lokur’s appointment as Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (UN-IJC) marks the first time an Indian jurist has held this prestigious position.
Prior to this, no individual from India has served as the Chairperson of the UN-IJC.
Justice Lokur’s extensive experience and commitment to justice have been recognized on this global platform, reflecting India’s growing influence in international legal circles.
The United Nations Internal Justice Council is a vital body responsible for ensuring the independence, professionalism, and accountability of the internal justice system of the United Nations.
This system provides a mechanism to address workplace disputes, including employment and administrative issues, within the UN’s vast network of employees and operations worldwide.
As Chairperson, Justice Lokur will oversee critical aspects of the council’s functions, including the appointment of judges to the UN Dispute Tribunal and the UN Appeals Tribunal, which are instrumental in maintaining transparency and fairness within the organization.
Justice Lokur, who served as a Supreme Court judge in India from June 2012 to December 2018, is widely respected for his progressive judgments and dedication to social justice.
Over his career, he has delivered landmark rulings on issues such as environmental protection, human rights, juvenile justice, and public interest litigation.
One of his notable contributions was his advocacy for judicial reforms and his active involvement in strengthening the judiciary’s capacity to address contemporary challenges.
His work extended beyond the courtroom, as he consistently engaged with civil society organizations and academia to promote legal education and awareness.
Justice Lokur’s appointment to the UN-IJC reflects his global reputation as a jurist of the highest caliber. Having participated in various international conferences and forums, he has contributed significantly to discussions on judicial independence, climate justice, and the rule of law.
As Chairperson, Justice Lokur will face the task of upholding the integrity of the UN’s internal justice system at a time when the organization is grappling with diverse challenges.
These include addressing allegations of workplace harassment, ensuring diversity and inclusivity in judicial appointments, and adapting the internal justice framework to meet the evolving needs of a global workforce.
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