Uganda’s former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Butera has today been officially elected as a judge of the United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT) in New York.
Justice Butera garnered 110 votes, securing his place on the tribunal alongside LingLing Zang of China, who was also elected.
This marks a significant milestone for Uganda’s judiciary and its representation within international justice institutions.
Background on the UN Appeals Tribunal (UNAT)
The UN Appeals Tribunal (UNAT) was created by the UN General Assembly in 2009 as part of reforms to strengthen the UN’s internal justice system. It functions as the second-level appellate body, providing final review for administrative and employment-related disputes within the United Nations system.
UNAT hears appeals arising from:
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Judgments of the UN Dispute Tribunal (UNDT);
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Judgments of the UNRWA Dispute Tribunal, which serves the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East;
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Decisions of the Standing Committee acting on behalf of the UN Joint Staff Pension Board (UNJSPB);
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Other UN agencies and entities that have formally accepted UNAT’s jurisdiction.
How UNAT Operates
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The tribunal convenes three times a year—during the spring, summer, and fall sessions.
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Sessions may be held in New York, Nairobi, or Geneva, and occasionally other locations.
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UNAT is composed of seven judges, elected by the UN General Assembly.
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Cases are normally heard by three-judge panels, designated by the President of UNAT.
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In special circumstances, the tribunal may sit as a full bench to hear a case.
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UNAT judgments are final and binding, representing the end of the appeal process in the UN internal justice system.
This story is being updated
