ABOUT THE SYSTEM

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ system staff members, wherever they may work, are bound by the Organization¡¯s Staff Regulations and Rules and administrative issuances, and, must also comply with the local laws of the country they work in. At the same time, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ staff members cannot take workplace disputes to local courts and authorities, due to the privileges and immunities the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ has from the laws of Member States. The Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ¡¯s special status leaves the Organization with the responsibility to provide its own staff with an internal justice system which is fair and impartial and which can effectively resolve disputes arising from staff members¡¯ employment.

The Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ¡¯s internal system for the administration of justice is a means for Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ staff to try to resolve dispute informally, and if informal means do not work, to resolve disputes formally through the management evaluation process, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Dispute Tribunal and Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Appeals Tribunal.

The current internal justice system was approved by the General Assembly, and came into effect on 1 July 2009. The goal at the time was to create an adequately resourced and decentralized system which is independent, transparent and professional, and whose working methods are consistent with international law, and the principles of the rule of law, and due process.

In creating the system, the General Assembly emphasized the need to try informal resolution of work-related disputes.

If informal resolution attempts do not lead to a satisfactory outcome for a staff member, they have the option to then initiate a formal process. If the staff member chooses to do so, he/she should feel confident that the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ¡¯s internal justice system will be accessible and professional, independent judges will hear their case, the judgment will be fair, and they can have access to professional legal advice.


For more information see: A Staff Member¡¯s Guide to Resolving Disputes

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