As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on something that has shaped my work and so many of yours: Certioraris. ✨ This month marks the two-year anniversary since its establishment—two years of supporting, guiding, and amplifying the voices of those who needed it most.
Over these years, I’ve spoken with hundreds of you—UN staff, humanitarian workers, and professionals navigating systems that often lack transparency, fairness, and accountability. Yet, I realize I’ve never taken the time to fully share the story of Certioraris: how it began, what it stands for, and the mission behind its name. 🖊️
What binds us together are the similar stories we share and our enduring belief in the founding principles of the UN Charter. Beyond that, we are united by our suffering—whether it was imposed on us, the result of an unjust supervisor’s actions, or the consequence of a system that shields itself instead of those it is meant to serve. We share so much, but above all, we are united by a single goal: to restore justice and dignity. ⚖️
Certioraris started as one act, but it has grown into something much larger—a collective platform for truth, accountability, and reform. 🕊️ What makes it truly unique is its complete independence: Certioraris does not rely on external funding, allowing it to operate without bias or influence. This independence ensures credibility and allows it to serve those who need it most with integrity and transparency.
If you’ve ever wondered how it began or what drives this mission, I invite you to read below. It’s something a little different, for a change.
Certioraris exists because of you—your stories, your courage, and our shared belief in justice. 🌍⚖️ The work continues, and it’s ours to carry.
When I first founded my blog, I spent a great deal of time thinking about what to call it. I wanted a name that would encapsulate the essence of justice, fairness, and the need to uncover the truth. My personal experience with the United Nations’ administration of justice system guided me to a word that resonated deeply: “certiorari.” But what does certiorari actually mean, and why did I choose it?
“Certiorari: What’s in a Name?
The term “certiorari” originates from Latin, meaning “to be made more certain” or “to be informed.” Historically, it referred to a type of writ developed within the English legal system. In English common law, certiorari was a supervisory writ issued by a superior court, such as the King’s Bench, to an inferior court or tribunal. This writ commanded the lower court to send the records of a particular case for review, ensuring that justice was properly administered and that the lower courts operated within their jurisdiction.
The use of certiorari dates back to at least the 13th century, serving as a royal demand for information and a means to move cases from local courts to the King’s courts. By transferring cases to the King’s courts, the system provided a mechanism to correct local biases, standardize rulings, and reinforce accountability across the justice system. This process was integral in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that decisions were made with fairness and transparency. In practice, certiorari allows a higher judicial body to take a closer look at a case, correcting any errors or injustices that might have occurred and ensuring decisions are grounded in fairness.
For example, in the United States, certiorari is most prominently used by the Supreme Court to review cases from lower courts, often focusing on issues of national importance or cases with conflicting lower court decisions. By contrast, in countries with less developed judicial review systems or those where access to justice is limited, the absence of certiorari-like mechanisms often highlights systemic inequalities. In these regions, individuals face significant barriers to challenging unjust rulings or accessing all relevant information needed to ensure a fair trial.
The principle of certiorari or being “more fully informed” becomes not just a legal right but a fundamental necessity for upholding justice in environments where transparency and accountability are often lacking.
From a Single Act to Many Voices for Justice
My choice to name the website Certioraris stems from this powerful principle. The pluralized form, “Certioraris,” reflects my belief that the right to be more fully informed and the pursuit of justice is not limited to a single individual or case. It is a collective need—one that resonates with thousands of United Nations staff and others working in the humanitarian aid and development sectors. These individuals often find themselves navigating complex, opaque systems that lack accountability and transparency.
Through my own journey in challenging corruption, retaliation, and the systemic flaws within the UN’s administration of justice, I saw firsthand how difficult it is to fight for one’s rights in the face of institutional resistance.
Certioraris in Action: Amplifying Truth, Driving Reform
Certioraris is a space where I aim to provide clarity, guidance, and support to others facing similar battles. Many staff members lack trust in their internal investigative mechanisms, perceiving them as protective of the institution rather than the victims, and not genuinely committed to establishing justice.
Through Certioraris, I bring to the public sphere what the General Assembly intended by mandating the publication of these judgments. By widely disseminating these issues, I aim to foster reform and leverage change to end such practices. The General Assembly emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the internal justice system, as reflected in Resolution 63/253, which underscores the need for an efficient and effective system of administration of justice in the United Nations.
Ironically, in doing so, Certioraris fulfills a role the UN itself was supposed to undertake when it introduced the internal justice system in 2009. The system was intended to ensure that tribunal judgments would serve as best practices, aligning UN policies with the spirit of the rulings to drive incremental reform from within.
However, no such reforms have materialized. Instead, issues like sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and retaliation have become rampant, while bodies such as the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the Inspector General’s Office (IGO), the Ethics Office, and the Ombudsman have been privatized by the Secretary-General’s office to serve its defense rather than uphold justice. Certioraris represents a vital resource for those seeking justice, offering tangible support and guidance to navigate the complexities of their battles.
Bridging the Gaps in UN Justice
For UN staff, as well as employees of other international organizations, the principles of certiorari hold special meaning. Many face retaliation, harassment, and discrimination without adequate recourse. The internal justice systems of these organizations are often skewed against the very individuals they are meant to protect.
Certioraris is dedicated to helping these individuals understand their rights, navigate the system, and find strength in shared experiences. This mission aligns with the original meaning of certiorari—to provide a higher level of understanding and ensure that decisions affecting personal and professional lives are made with fairness and transparency.
In the context of the UN, this principle addresses critical gaps in the internal justice system by advocating for transparency and accountability. By highlighting and disseminating tribunal judgments, Certioraris exposes systemic flaws and pressures the organization to align its policies with the spirit of these rulings, fostering the incremental reform that the system was originally intended to achieve. By advocating for this principle, Certioraris becomes a tool for empowerment and a reminder that no one should have to fight these battles alone.
Justice Without Influence: The Power of Independence
What sets Certioraris apart is its complete independence. Unlike many initiatives, it does not rely on external funding. This independence allows it to operate without bias or influence, ensuring that the assistance provided is guided solely by the needs of those seeking support. Importantly, the work is done on a pro bono basis, meaning that staff who reach out to Certioraris for guidance and support can do so without fear of financial burden.
Having worked within the United Nations for twenty years, I have witnessed firsthand how funding systems are often exploited to advance institutional or foreign narratives and suppress dissenting voices. Financial resources are frequently weaponized to reinforce external policies, manipulate recruitment processes, and shape outcomes to serve the interests of those in power, and sometimes even external entities or governments. This creates an environment where funding becomes a tool of control rather than a mechanism to support genuine reform or justice.
This steadfast commitment to independence and accessibility embodies the ethos of Certioraris: to serve those in need with integrity and dedication. While Certioraris does not accept external funding, it actively welcomes opportunities for collaboration and volunteerism. One of its core missions is to inspire and shape the critical minds of young volunteers in the legal, communications, and humanitarian fields. By engaging with Certioraris, these volunteers gain a deeper understanding of what it means to serve humanity with dignity and integrity, preparing them to embark on their professional journeys with a strong ethical foundation.
The Journey We Share as UN Staff Inspired Certioraris
Having worked for 20 years in the UN, I still firmly believe in its founding principles. Unlike many others, my journey began from the bottom up, giving me firsthand insight into what national and locally recruited staff endure, including the discrimination often faced by these categories. I had to sacrifice a great deal on both a personal and professional level to advance my career, balancing the demands of being a mother and a professional in a system that often overlooks the unique challenges faced by women. This journey has given me a profound appreciation for the challenges faced by staff across all levels and categories. Over time, I transitioned to being an international professional civil servant, this long journey in diverse duty stations equipped me with a 360-degree perspective to understand and address problems from all angles. This experience allows me to respect and advocate for staff across all categories and nationalities.
However, until the UN corrects its course and addresses these serious justice flaws, I will continue to advocate for the voices of the silenced—those who have been retaliated against, or anyone who continues to suffer injustice in a system that insulates itself from accountability. The privileges and immunities granted to the UN were intended to better serve the world, not to be exploited as a means of evading accountability when it suits.
As you explore Certioraris, I invite you to think about the principle of being “more fully informed” and how it applies to your own journey. Whether you are seeking justice, advocating for fairness, or simply trying to navigate a complex system, Certioraris is here to support you.
We are proud of you Nadine..Bravo