UNITED NATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL

Abstract

This chapter describes the background and composition of the UN administrative tribunal. The UN Administrative Tribunal was created to adjudicate in legal disputes arising between the UN Secretary General, and staff members of the UN Organization. The Tribunal is a permanent judicial body composed of seven members appointed for three years by the General Assembly upon nomination by member governments. Under the Statute, they must be nationals of different States, but there is no requirement as to their qualifications, their relationships with their own governments, or with the UN organs. In practice, geographical distribution is observed. Some countries, however, have always been represented. Members of the Tribunal are usually jurists or diplomats who have a good knowledge of the UN system. Stability in the composition of the Tribunal has been achieved through the process of reappointment. No member of the Tribunal can be dismissed by the General Assembly unless the other members are of the unanimous opinion that he or she is unsuited for further service.