Distinguished International Jurist Joins Belize’s Caribbean Court of Justice

A distinguished international jurist has joined the bench of Belize’s highest appellate jurisdiction court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Dr. Chile Eboe-Osuji, a citizen of both Nigeria and Canada, was officially sworn in today. His appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Andrew Burgess, which occurred just last week on April 11. The selection was made by the independent Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission, the body responsible for staffing the CCJ. Dr. Eboe-Osuji brings a wealth of high-level international experience. He most recently served as the President of the International Criminal Court in The Hague from 2018 to 2021, after serving as a Judge there since 2012. His extensive background also includes roles as the Legal Advisor to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, principal appeals counsel at the Special Court for Sierra Leone during the Charles Taylor case, and various positions, including Head of Chambers, at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Dr. Eboe-Osuji has also practiced law in Nigeria and Canada and taught international criminal law. At his swearing-in, he noted that it is not uncommon for jurists from outside of a region to join the bench.

Dr. Eboe-Osuji’s appointment was announced by the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC) back in March. CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders, who also chairs the selection commission, says the selection process was rigorous and independent.