Appeals and complaints

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended solely for informational purposes. It does not modify, replace, or otherwise substitute the applicable regulatory framework as outlined in the WHO Staff Regulations and Rules, eManual, and policies.

Staff Regulation XI states that the Director-General shall establish administrative machinery with staff participation to advise him in case of any appeal by staff members against an administrative decision alleging the non-observance of their terms of appointment, including all pertinent regulations and rules, or against disciplinary action.

Any dispute which cannot be resolved internally, arising between the Organization and a member of the staff regarding the fulfillment of the contract of the said member, shall be referred for final decision to the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organization.
 

Global Board of Appeal (GBA)

Staff Rule 1205 in conjunction with Staff Rule 1230 set out that staff members and former staff members can submit an appeal to the Global Board of Appeal against an administrative review decision or against a deemed rejection under Staff Rule 1225.5 or against a final administrative decision not subject to review under Staff Rule 1225. In accordance with Staff Rules 1230.5 and 1225, the following final administrative decisions, among others, shall not be subject to an administrative review and shall be appealable directly before the Global Board of Appeal:

  • i. […]
  • ii. […]
  • iii. Decisions taken pursuant to the WHO policy on Preventing and Addressing Abusive Conduct; and
  • iv. Decisions imposing disciplinary measures or written reprimands pursuant to Staff Rule 1110 or Staff Rule 1115.”

For detailed information on the GBA process, please consult:

 

Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organization (ILOAT)

In accordance with Staff Rule 1240, disputes between the Organization and a staff member which cannot be resolved internally may be referred to the ILOAT, in accordance with the provisions of the Statute of the Tribunal. Against this background, the decision by the Director-General further to the GBA recommendation can be appealed to the ILOAT, in accordance with the provisions of the Statute of the Tribunal.

Further information can be found in ILOAT’s website: https://www.ilo.org/ilo-administrative-tribunal.