International Day for Judicial Well-being Date in the current year: July 25, 2025

Judges and other judicial officers, including arbitrators, court commissioners, and magistrates, have the important duty of upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and ensuring that justice is fair and impartial. Yet, behind the bench, many face silent struggles. Extended work hours, isolation, and the emotional burden of their decisions can take a toll on their well-being and potentially impact the quality of justice they deliver.

Judges whose well-being is affected by the stress of their job are more susceptible to external influence, conflicts of interest, and a decline in public trust and confidence in the judiciary. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) recognizes this risk and emphasizes the need to protect judicial independence and integrity.

Maintaining judicial well-being is essential to preserving independence, integrity, and efficiency within the judiciary. With adequate support, judges can better withstand improper influence, uphold ethical standards, and ensure justice is delivered competently and fairly.

In 2021, the Global Judicial Integrity Network surveyed judges in over 100 countries. The results demonstrated that the majority of judges experience stress or anxiety from work and do not have enough time to care for their mental and physical health. Many judges also believe that discussing mental health is still taboo in the judiciary and that they do not receive sufficient support at work.

The journey toward international recognition of the importance of judicial well-being began with the Regional Judicial Conference on Integrity and Judicial Well-being, which took place in Nauru in July 2024. Organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the Nauru Judiciary, the conference convened judicial leaders and global experts to address a shared concern: the mounting pressure faced by judges worldwide, often without adequate recognition or resources to address it.

On July 25, 2024, the delegates adopted the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being. This declaration emphasizes the importance of judicial health and well-being in ensuring judicial integrity, independence, and the quality of justice delivered to society. The declaration sets forth seven principles to guide national judiciaries in fostering judicial well-being.

1. Judicial well-being is fundamental.
2. Stigma must be removed.
3. Shared responsibility.
4. Culture matters.
5. Holistic approaches are key.
6. Adaptability to local context.
7. Linked to human rights.

In March 2025, the United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed the anniversary of the adoption of the Nauru Declaration as the International Day for Judicial Well-being. This day is intended to raise awareness of the importance of addressing professional stress in the judiciary and the need to provide appropriate support.