International Day for Judicial Well-being (25 July): A Milestone in Global Justice Reform

On 25 July each year, the world now observes the International Day for Judicial Well-being, following its recognition by the United Nations General Assembly in March 2025. This observance emphasizes the often-overlooked importance of mental, emotional, and physical well-being of judges and magistrates, who uphold the rule of law under immense pressure. By dedicating a global day to this cause, the UN reinforces that judicial integrity and effective justice delivery are inseparable from the well-being of judicial officers.

Background: The Nauru Declaration and Its Legacy

The movement began with the adoption of the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being on 25 July 2024, the world’s first UN-recognized initiative focused entirely on the health and welfare of judges. The idea for a dedicated international day was first proposed by Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena, President of the Court of Appeal of Nauru, who saw the need to sustain attention on judicial well-being beyond symbolic declarations. The proposal quickly gained momentum and received official backing from Nauru’s Cabinet.

Significance of Judicial Well-being

Judges operate under unique stressors—long hours, public scrutiny, emotional toll, and isolation from public life—yet conversations around their well-being remain limited or taboo. This day,

• Destigmatizes mental health within the judiciary.
• Highlights the human side of judicial responsibilities.
• Asserts that the quality of justice delivered is directly linked to the well-being of judicial officers.
• Encourages institutional and cultural change in legal systems globally.

Objectives of the International Day

The resolution sets out several goals,

1. Promote awareness and remove stigma around judicial well-being.
2. Encourage wellness policies within judicial institutions.
3. Inspire cross-national dialogue on best practices for judicial support systems.
4. Acknowledge that healthy judges deliver better justice.

UN Resolution and Global Support

The UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/79/266 on 4 March 2025, proclaiming 25 July as the International Day for Judicial Well-being. The resolution saw,

• 160 votes in favor
• 1 vote against (United States)
• 3 abstentions (Haiti, Madagascar, Syria)
• 70 co-sponsoring countries, including India, UK, Australia, France, Japan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka

The drafting and lobbying were led by Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena, in coordination with the UNODC, Nauru’s Permanent Mission, and First Secretary Ms. Josie Anne Jacob, who facilitated global support through diplomacy.

Observance and Participation

The resolution invites UN Member States, courts, law schools, bar associations, and civil society to mark the day with,

• Public awareness campaigns
• Judicial wellness programs
• Panel discussions and research forums
• Educational events
• Ceremonial observances

These may be organized using existing resources or voluntary contributions, with an emphasis on institutional support.