In Memoriam
Roger Dujardin (1953–2026)
It is with deep sadness that the International Union of Judicial Officers (UIHJ) has learnt of the death of Mr Roger Dujardin, honorary judicial officer of the judicial district of Antwerp (Belgium), which occurred on 10 June 2026 in Brasschaat.
With the passing of Roger Dujardin, the profession has lost one of its leading Belgian figures, and the UIHJ a former leader whose commitment, expertise and personal qualities have left a lasting mark on its recent history.
A Knight of the Order of the Crown and the Order of Leopold, and the author of numerous legal works and publications, Roger Dujardin devoted his career to the service of the law, justice and the profession of judicial officer. His recognised expertise, his intellectual openness and his profoundly humanistic vision of justice earned him the esteem of his colleagues far beyond his country’s borders.
Within the UIHJ, Roger Dujardin played a prominent role for twelve years. Elected to the Union’s Executive Committee at the International Congress in Athens in 2000, he was subsequently appointed Vice-President. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of the UIHJ’s International Magazine and as the administrator of the Union’s Scientific Council.
Until the end of his term of office in 2012, he contributed with conviction to the UIHJ’s international development, to discussions on the future of the profession and to the promotion of the values of the rule of law. As a regular representative of the Union at international conferences and meetings, he skilfully conveyed the UIHJ’s message in numerous countries and to many institutions. His highly acclaimed address at the International Judicial Forum in Minsk in 2010 remains a prime example of his unwavering commitment to the enforcement of fundamental rights and democratic principles.
Roger Dujardin also made a valuable contribution to the Union’s institutional memory. Through his editorial work, his writings and his involvement in numerous publishing projects, he helped to raise awareness of the UIHJ’s history, values and achievements. In particular, he coordinated the Liber Amicorum dedicated to President Jacques Isnard, a testament to his attachment to those who have shaped the Union over the decades.
When Roger Dujardin stepped down from his post at the UIHJ in 2012, he left behind the image of a respected leader, a committed intellectual and a man deeply committed to international cooperation amongst the legal professions. His work marked an important period in the Union’s recent history and helped to extend its influence far beyond Europe’s borders.
Those who had the privilege of working alongside him will remember him as a man of great culture, remarkable intellectual rigour and profound courtesy. His dedication to the profession, his sense of friendship and his unwavering commitment to the values of justice will continue to inspire all those who knew him.
As well as his universally recognised professional qualities, Roger Dujardin will also be remembered for his sense of humour, his friendliness and his rare ability to lighten the mood, even in the most demanding of situations.
The President, the Executive Committee, the honorary members and the entire global family of the UIHJ extend their deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to his wife Christa, his children, his grandchildren and all his loved ones.
Roger Dujardin will be remembered by the UIHJ as a man of law, a builder of bridges between the legal professions worldwide, and an exemplary servant of justice.
May he rest in peace.
