Statement on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand by Mr Keith Morrill, representative of Canada to the United Nations Sixth Committee on the Administration of Justice on 5 October 2009.
(as delivered)
I have the honour to speak on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
CANZ has always been of the view that a fair and effective system of internal administration of justice is of key importance for the UN. To the extent that the UN seeks to promote the values of respect for individual rights and the rule of law, it is vital that its own practices reflect those values. It is also vital that the UN have a system that has the trust of employees, UN administrators, and member states.
CANZ is pleased to note, as we address the issue of Administration of Justice once again in this Committee, that our discussion is fundamentally different this year than it has been in past years. As a result of our past work, together with the work of our colleagues in the 5th Committee, the new system of administration of justice at the UN is in place and functioning.
The start-up and the transition process have moved forward smoothly. The appointment of judges has proceeded in an exemplary manner and we endorse the rules of procedure of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and the United Nations Appeals Tribunal. CANZ is pleased with the performance of both tribunals so far.
We are aware, however, that the record of performance encompasses only a few months. CANZ continues to be of the view that examination of further issues related to the Administration of Justice within the UN will be most effective when we have some considerable experience in the operation of the new internal justice system. With the lessons of experience, we will be better equipped to make informed decisions concerning the modification or extension of the new system. We do not, therefore, think that the time is ripe for further modifications or developments on the administration of justice within the UN.