UNDT/2012/177, Ochem
On the score of prima facie unlawfulness, the Tribunal concluded that the Respondent’s decision not to renew the Applicant’s appointment was prima facie unlawful having been motivated by erroneous factors. The Tribunal thus held that the Applicant had met his burden of proof by establishing that he had an arguable case of unlawfulness. With regard to particular urgency, the Tribunal found that this requirement was clearly met since the Applicant’s contract was to expire on 9 November 2012. On irreparable damage, the Tribunal concluded that the Applicant was approaching the retirement age. The Tribunal also found that the Applicant would suffer irreparable harm as the prospects for employment were limited due to his age.
The Applicant applied for a suspension of the UNECA’s decision not to renew his fixed-term appointment beyond 9 November 2012 pending management evaluation of the same decision which he had requested on 8 November 2012.
There are three statutory prerequisites contained in art. 2.2 of the UNDT Statute, i.e. prima facie unlawfulness, particular urgency and irreparable damage, that must all be satisfied for an application for suspension of action to be granted.
UNDT granted the suspension of action.