publications_unodc_commentary-e

Application5.1 A judge shall be aware of, and understand, diversity insociety and differences arising from various sources,including but not limited to race, colour, sex, religion,national origin, caste, disability, age, marital status,sexual orientation, social and economic status and otherlike causes ("irrelevant grounds").CommentaryDuty to be responsive to cultural diversity186. It is the duty of a judge not only to recognize, and be familiar with, cultural,racial and religious diversity in society, but also to be free of bias or prejudice onany irrelevant grounds. A judge should attempt, by appropriate means, to remaininformed about changing attitudes and values in society, and to take advantage ofsuitable educational opportunities (which ought to be made reasonably available)that will assist the judge to be, and appear to be, impartial. However, it is necessaryto take care that these efforts enhance, not detract from, the judge’s perceivedimpartiality.123