2010-UNAT-024, Haniya

UNAT Held or UNDT Pronouncements

UNAT affirmed the Commissioner-General’s decision to terminate the staff member for misconduct. UNAT emphasized the fact that the staff member, as a guard, held a position of trust that he had failed to respect. UNAT held that where termination of service is connected to any type of investigation of a staff member’s possible misconduct, it must be reviewed as a disciplinary measure. UNAT held that the imposed sanction of separation was not disproportionate to the offense. Related judgments: 2010-UNAT-018 (Mahdi)

Decision Contested or Judgment Appealed

The staff member contested the decision to terminate his appointment “in the interest of the Agency”, under UNRWA Area Staff Regulation 9. 1. The former JAB concluded that the UNRWA Administration had dealt with the matter within the framework of the standing rules, regulations, and directives and recommended that the Commissioner-General dismissed the appeal. The Commissioner-General approved the former JAB’s recommendation.

Legal Principle(s)

When reviewing a disciplinary sanction imposed by the Administration, the Tribunal will examine whether the facts on which the sanction is based have been established, whether the established facts qualify as misconduct, and whether the sanction is proportionate to the offense. The Tribunal may consider the nature of the position held by the individual and the assigned responsibilities in determining whether the sanction imposed is proportionate to the offense.

Outcome
Appeal dismissed on merits
Outcome Extra Text

No relief ordered.

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The judgment summaries were generally prepared in English. They were translated into French and are being reviewed for accuracy of the translation.

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Haniya
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