UNJustice message 

At a time when the United Nations is playing a decisive role in coping with world problems which affect the lives of millions of people, fair play - a combination of observance of the rules, respect for the defenceless, and prevention of adverse behaviour - is the condition under which human cooperation becomes both possible and necessary.

With a view to this, to help these essential features cross the arbitrary and artificial barriers to realize the UN's potential as a positive force in the world, UNJustice devotes itself to no other task with more dedication than to the very task it got its name from: encouraging fair play in the United Nations system of administration of justice.

UNJustice is pleased to note the open debate generated by our petition and replies to the staff representatives of the United Nations

2 December 2008

On 28 November, shortly after sending the petition to several representatives of the United Nations staff associations and unions, we noted the immediate positive comments and open genuine debate that it was generating among UN staff.

One message said: “[We] would be interested in endorsing the initiative whoever the originator may be. It is time to get all together being that fundamental claim. I shall recommend all UN**** colleagues to do likewise”. Another staff representative wrote: “it will portray how the people feel about the administration, or rather the non-administration of justice in the Organization”. And another: “This is a very worthy initiative, but unfortunately it comes from an anonymous source.”

In a letter replying to the staff representatives, Ms. Angie Gaudio, UNJustice Chairwoman, addressed staff concern of whether they should endorse an initiative which comes from an unknown source, and takes the opportunity to further clarify UNJustice’s public message.

The Committee was “surprised to discover that, as far as was possible to ascertain, we could not find any non-governmental organization that had previously advocated appropriate remedial action for this issue as a public and urgent undertaking. UNJustice’s simple founding idea was that perhaps a third party, speaking out and loyal to the human rights principles found in core UN documents, could serve to address this incomprehensible issue, which governments and others have been unable or unwilling to address on their own”, wrote Ms. Gaudio.

Ms. Gaudio also stressed that “the decision of participating in a democratic process, such as endorsing our petition, lies with each individual alone. Ultimately, the possibility for real change depends on the victims’ capacity to stand up for their human rights. UNJustice exists to give inspiration and strength to these fellow human beings who are caught in that difficult situation and to welcome whoever wants to help them”.

Related information:

UNJustice Chairwoman Letter to the Representatives of the United Nations Staff Associations and Unions