⚖️ International Day for Judicial Well-being ⚖️
International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.
The concept of an "International Day of Judiciary" is evolving, with different aspects of the judiciary being recognized on specific days. Most prominently, the International Day for Judicial Well-being has been officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly as July 25th. This designation, adopted in March 2025 (Resolution A/RES/79/266), stems from the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being launched on July 25, 2024. The core purpose of this day is to highlight that the health and well-being of judges are crucial for maintaining judicial integrity, independence, and the quality of justice delivered to the public. It's a call to action for the global judicial community to implement strategies that support judicial officers, recognizing that a strong, well-supported judiciary is fundamental to justice and democracy.
Why judicial well-being matters
Judges and other judicial officers such as magistrates, court commissioners, and arbitrators shoulder a profound responsibility - upholding the rule of law, protecting rights, and ensuring that justice is impartial and fair. But behind the bench, many judges struggle in silence. Long hours, isolation, and the emotional toll of decision-making can affect their well-being, ultimately influencing the quality of justice.
Corruption thrives where integrity falters. A judiciary under stress is more vulnerable to external influence, conflicts of interest, and erosion of public confidence. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), especially Article 11, acknowledges this danger and calls for safeguarding the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
Judicial well-being is a prerequisite for judicial independence, integrity, and efficiency. When judges are supported, they are better equipped to resist undue influence, uphold ethical standards, and deliver justice fairly and competently.
The Nauru Declaration: a milestone for judicial well-being
The path to international recognition began with the Regional Judicial Conference on Integrity and Judicial Well-being, held in Nauru in July 2024. Organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with the Nauru Judiciary, the gathering brought together nearly twenty judicial leaders and global experts to confront a shared concern: judges around the world are under pressure, often without the resources or acknowledgment they need.
On 25 July 2024, they adopted the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being which recognizes that the health and well-being of judges is critical to ensuring judicial integrity, independence, and the quality of justice delivered to the public.
Seven Guiding Principles
- Judicial well-being is fundamental – It is essential to ensuring a fair and effective justice system. Without it, judicial independence and public trust are at risk.
- Stigma must be removed – Judicial stress and mental health challenges should be openly acknowledged. Experiencing such difficulties does not reflect weakness or lack of fitness to serve.
- Shared responsibility – Promoting judicial well-being is a collective responsibility—individual judges, court systems, and judicial institutions must all take action.
- Culture matters – A supportive and inclusive judicial culture is necessary. Institutions must foster ethical environments that prioritize well-being.
- Holistic approaches – Well-being efforts should include a mix of awareness-raising, prevention, early intervention, and recovery strategies.
- Adaptability to local context – Actions to support judicial well-being should reflect the specific needs and realities of each jurisdiction.
- Linked to human rights – Judicial well-being is connected to the broader protection and promotion of human rights, including the rights of court users and staff.
Proclaiming the International Day
Building on the momentum of the Nauru Declaration, in March 2025, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/79/266, officially proclaiming 25 July as the International Day for Judicial Well-being.
The resolution ties the observance directly to international legal frameworks like the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), emphasizing that judicial well-being supports anti-corruption, access to justice, and sustainable peace.
Global Conference, August 2025
To build on the commitments made in Nauru and reinforced by the UN resolution, the International Conference on Judicial Integrity and Well-being is taking place in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on 20-22 August 2025. The event brings together judicial leaders and policymakers to develop concrete tools and strategies for integrating well-being into court systems worldwide.
