Ãå±±½ûµØ

2021-UNAT-1172

2021-UNAT-1172, Ravi Karkara

UNAT Held or UNDT Pronouncements

The Appeals Tribunal found that Mr. Karkara failed to show that the UNDT’s assessment of the evidence had resulted in a manifestly unreasonable decision. It also found that the UNDT did not make any errors with regard to the admissibility of witnesses. The UNAT further found that the UNDT did not commit any procedural error, and Mr. Karkara’s allegations of procedural irregularities did not put the UNDT’s findings into doubt.  Accordingly, the UNAT agreed that there was clear and convincing evidence of sexual abuse and exploitation by Mr. Karkara. The UNAT also held that the sanction of dismissal was appropriate given that Mr. Karkara's conduct was particularly grave in light of his work with young adults.
Accountability referral:  However, the UNAT agreed with Mr. Karkara that the Executive Director of Ãå±±½ûµØWomen violated a UNDT Order by disclosing and discussing details of these confidential proceedings in an all-staff meeting. The UNAT referred the Executive Director of Ãå±±½ûµØWomen to the Secretary-General for a possible action to enforce accountability.

Decision Contested or Judgment Appealed

UNDT/2020/188

Legal Principle(s)

Under the consistent jurisprudence of the Appeals Tribunal, the assessment of evidence is foremost in the hands and responsibility of the trial judge, and the Appeals Tribunal will not lightly interfere. 

Outcome
Appeal dismissed on merits

OAJ prepared this case law summary for informational purposes only. It is no official record and should not be relied upon as an authoritative interpretation of the Tribunals' rulings. For the authoritative texts, please refer to the judgment or order rendered by the respective Tribunal. The Tribunals are the only bodies competent to interpret their respective judgments, as provided under Article 12(3) of the UNDT Statute and Article 11(3) of the UNAT Statute. Any inaccuracies in the publication are the sole responsibility of OAJ, which should be contacted directly for any correction requests. To provide comments, don't hesitate to get in touch with OAJ at oaj@un.org.

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