A Milestone for Justice: Spotlighting the Importance of Judicial Well-being

From Pacific Vision to Global Action

This resolution is the culmination of a global effort that first gained ground in the Pacific. Sparked by an idea from Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena, the President of the Court of Appeal of Nauru in 2023, the initiative gained momentum through extensive collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including UNODC, members of the Global Judicial Integrity Network. The result was the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being, composed by nearly 20 judicial leaders and stakeholders from Canada and Ukraine to the Caribbean, Singapore and beyond. Adopted in Nauru on 25 July 2024, the Declaration highlights the urgent need to address the physical, mental, and emotional health of judges – without which independence, impartiality, and integrity cannot thrive.

Why Judicial Well-being Matters

Judges carry immense responsibility, with their decisions shaping lives, communities, and generations to come. Indeed, the judiciary plays a fundamental role in safeguarding vibrant democratic societies, alongside the legislative and executive branches of government. However, this responsibility comes with pressure, isolation, and even threats to judges’ safety, which could have severe repercussions on their lives. According to a study by UNODC’s Global Judicial Integrity Network, which gathered responses from participants in 102 countries, 76% of judges and members of the judiciary do not maintain optimal physical and mental well-being, often due to massive workloads, burnout or stigma around judicial stress. The Nauru Declaration and the UN resolution recognizes this and advocates for systemic support for judges, reinforcing that judicial well-being is not a privilege – it is a necessity for strong, independent legal systems.

The Declaration draws from a wealth of international documents and practices that call for the safeguarding of judicial integrity. For example, the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct emphasize competence, diligence, and integrity as critical for the protection of democracy and human rights. And Article 11 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) likewise highlights the role judicial integrity plays in tackling corruption. A judiciary that is supported and resilient is far better equipped to resist undue influence and maintain public trust – and this resilience is rooted in the well-being of justices.

“When I began efforts to help judges manage stress and achieve a balanced mind, judicial well-being was barely recognized, often met with scepticism, and considered a taboo topic,” said Justice Wimalasena. “I realized that judicial stress is a global issue affecting both small and large judiciaries. Today, I am hopeful that the seven principles enshrined in the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being will serve as a global catalyst, empowering judiciaries to support their judges in delivering quality justice.”

What Comes Next?

The adoption of the UN resolution is only the beginning. UNODC is committed to continuing its support for judicial well-being through practical tools, resources, and dialogue. A significant next step is the International Conference on Judicial Integrity and Well-being, set to take place in Papua New Guinea in August 2025. This event will build upon the momentum of the Nauru Declaration, bringing together judicial leaders, policymakers, and experts to turn commitments into concrete steps.

The road to stronger, healthier judiciaries is a shared responsibility and an integral component of SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, which aims to provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. As we mark 25 July on our calendars, let it be more than just a day of acknowledgment. Let it be a rallying cry for ensuring that those who protect justice are, in turn, protected themselves.

For more on the Nauru Declaration and the movement for judicial well-being, visit:

UN General Assembly Resolution on International Day for Judicial Well-being

Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being

UNODC Report on Judicial Well-being

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