International Day for Judicial Well-being

In 2021, the Global Judicial Integrity Network conducted a global survey exploring the link between judicial integrity and well-being. The results were striking: 69% of respondents believed that discussing mental health or stress remains a taboo topic for judges. 83% of participants felt that the level of support available within their judiciary was insufficient. 89% of respondents acknowledged knowing judicial colleagues who had experienced stress, sadness, or anxiety. Over time, studies conducted in various jurisdictions on judicial well-being , judicial conduct and judicial attitudes have revealed eye-opening findings. These figures highlight a systemic issue - one that, if left unaddressed, could have serious consequences on the quality of justice delivered.

Since 2014, we have been advocating for the promotion of a balanced mind for judicial officers. It was not a popular subject to talk about then. On one hand, judicial leaderships feared that openly discussing judicial stress could affect public perception. On the other, individual judges themselves hesitated to speak openly, fearing it might damage their reputation and professional recognition.

Recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue universally, the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being was introduced to create awareness, acknowledge the problem and take concrete steps toward addressing it. Unlike other legal matters that may differently affect common law and civil law jurisdictions, judicial well-being is a universal concern - transcending legal systems, jurisdictions and other differences. Around 18 senior judicial leaders and experts from across the world, representing all continents, regions and various judicial organizations, came together to draft the Nauru Declaration, which establishes seven core principles aimed at promoting judicial well-being . This declaration is not just about individual judges - it is a matter of ensuring the delivery of quality justice. If judicial stress is ignored - if judges are overburdened, work under unconducive conditions or face persistent harassment, bullying, and deprivation of their rights - the consequences extend ...