“ When the independence , impartiality and integrity of judges is questionable , let alone tainted , the entire foundation of justice is shaken to its core .”
This is why the Global Judicial Integrity Network , launched by the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime this week , is so constructive and so vital . When we work together to address existing challenges and bring together judges from all over the world to share good practices , exchange knowledge and expertise , and foster cooperation and collaboration , we know that global judicial integrity is attainable .
This network , above all , is a platform to provide assistance to judiciaries everywhere as they work on the interdependent goals of strengthening their judicial integrity and fighting the corruption in their justice systems , an assistance provided in a number of ways .
First , the network will promote knowledge building by harnessing the experience and expertise of judges , judicial associations and other key stakeholders . Second , it will facilitate members ’ immediate access to thousands of relevant resources and tools on various issues relating to judicial integrity , which may not have been otherwise easily available to all . Third , it will promote peer learning and support activities between judges , offering them a more direct and efficient line of communication . Finally , the network will support the further development and the effective implementation of the principles of judicial conduct , helping to prevent corruption within the justice system .
When judges in every country are able to access pertinent legal and judicial resources , to study good practices and to review a multitude of other materials put at their disposition by UNODC , within a network affording them the opportunity to directly liaise and confer with their peers in other jurisdictions , their individual efforts in fighting corruption and in protecting judicial integrity are immediately reinforced by the power of consensus and sustained by the strength of its universality .
Ultimately , and more importantly , these steps will protect people ’ s right to justice . As inspirational and idealistic as it may seem , this is the goal of every honourable member of the judicial system .
As members of this Global Judicial Integrity Network , and as Chief Justices who have ourselves witnessed the obstacles and the challenges faced by so many men and women of integrity striving to serve the cause of justice , we believe in the power of joining forces across the borders to share our perspectives and to encourage one another in our collective aspiration for an independent , impartial and ethical judicial system .
The more peers and colleagues around the world join us in this unique international network , the more potent and fruitful our joint efforts will be , and the more accessible our courts will be for citizens all around the globe .
“ When we work together to address existing challenges and bring together judges from all over the world to share good practices , exchange knowledge and expertise , and foster cooperation and collaboration , we know that global judicial integrity is attainable .”
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