Statement by the International Development Law Organization
Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in Geneva
Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers
25 June 2026
Mr. Vice-President,
The International Development Law Organization thanks the Special Rapporteur for her timely report on principles for judicial appointments and for the opportunity to provide its contribution.
IDLO welcomes the report’s comprehensive framework, which identifies merit, integrity, transparency, diversity, and independent selection processes as essential safeguards for judicial independence and public confidence in the administration of justice.
Drawing on its support to judicial reform processes in Ukraine, including assistance to judicial governance bodies responsible for selecting judges to the High Anti-Corruption Court, IDLO has seen firsthand the value of transparent and merit-based appointment systems. Competitive examinations, practical assessments, objective scoring methodologies, robust integrity vetting, and meaningful opportunities for candidates to respond to concerns have proven effective in strengthening both the quality and legitimacy of judicial appointments. Equally important has been the involvement of independent experts and civil society actors in enhancing public trust and accountability throughout the process.
We therefore particularly welcome the emphasis of the report on objective and pre-established criteria, integrity assessments accompanied by due process guarantees, transparency at key stages of selection, and structured opportunities for public participation.
Special Rapporteur,
in contexts where public trust in judicial institutions is low, which judicial appointment reforms should States prioritize to achieve the greatest impact on both judicial independence and public confidence?
Thank you.