UN Staff Rights Under Threat: Founder Challenges UN80 Task Force's Use of Waiver Clauses
Nadine Kaddoura, founder of CERTIORARIS, has penned an open letter to Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy and head of the UN80 Taskforce. She raises concerns about the use of 'early separation' agreements containing broad waiver clauses by the UN80 Task Force.
Kaddoura objects to these agreements, arguing they induce staff to sign away vested rights, including those related to pending complaints and ongoing litigation. She believes this practice is inconsistent with binding jurisprudence and violates the UN's regulatory framework, as well as the Charter of the United Nations.
The UN Dispute Tribunal has previously ruled that such waiver clauses are ultra vires, null, and unenforceable. Kaddoura demands that the UN80 Task Force immediately cease using these clauses and provides a formal undertaking that no staff member will be required to sign such instruments. She also requests a legal review of ongoing separations to ensure compliance with the UN Charter and relevant jurisprudence.
Kaddoura's open letter highlights the potential erosion of staff trust and compromise of the UN's internal justice system if this practice continues. She calls for immediate action to uphold the Secretary-General's duty to uphold the Charter and ensure the UN's regulatory framework is respected.
