UN Administration of Justice
The Office of Administration of Justice oversees the formal mechanisms of the UN internal system of justice, available to all UN personnel. An explanation of the basic elements of this system, as well as practical information for staff, can also be found in the brochure A guide to resolving disputes.
Note that the Ombudsman does not conduct formal investigations. The Ombudsman can help individuals identify and refer the issue to the appropriate mechanisms in the organization for formal investigation and record.
For your convenience, we have put together a resource list for each of the organizations we serve (UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNOPS, and UN Women), which can be found here. These lists are for informational purposes only and we strongly suggest consulting the internal information of your organization.
The diagram below outlines the range of mechanisms for addressing workplace concerns, spanning informal/ non-binding options and forma, binding ones. These mechanisms are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, they are designed to complement one another, and an individual may pursue more than one at the same time.
Report of the Secretary-General A/81/176 (2026)
The Secretary-General’s most recent report to the General Assembly on the administration of justice at the United Nations reinforces the case for informal resolution at a time of significant organizational change across the system.
United Nations General Assembly Resolution 80/238 (2025)
The General Assembly’s most recent resolution on the administration of justice reaffirms that informal resolution is ‘a crucial element of the system of administration of justice’ and that ‘all possible use should be made of the informal system in order to avoid unnecessary litigation’
A guide to resolving disputes
Information brochure on how to resolve disputes of the United Nations Administration of Justice.
Report of the Redesign Panel
The foundational report (2006) whose recommendations led to the creation of the UN’s current two-tier formal justice system.
UN General Assembly Resolution 77/260 (2022)
The General Assembly Resolution that remains relevant for its mandates on mediation reporting and informal conflict resolution.