International experts: The flaws in the disclosure of the “Epstein files” undermine accountability for serious crimes against women and girls

The independent experts added in a press statement that these acts may amount to sexual slavery, reproductive violence, enforced disappearance, torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, and murder of women.

The experts said: “These crimes were committed against the backdrop of beliefs of racial superiority, racism, corruption, extreme misogyny, and the commodification and dehumanization of women and girls from around the world.”.

They added: “The ‘Epstein Files’, which implicate a global criminal network, has shocked the conscience of humanity and raised terrifying implications about the level of impunity for such crimes.”.

The experts also said that the scale, nature, systematic nature, and cross-border extension of these atrocities committed against women and girls are so serious that a number of them may rise to the level of crimes against humanity.

The experts also added that all allegations contained in the “Epstein Files” are extremely serious, and require an independent, comprehensive and impartial investigation, as well as investigations to determine how such crimes could have been committed over such a period of time.

Serious failures

The experts explained in their statement issued on Monday that the process of disclosing information is taking place under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was adopted on November 19, 2025. On January 30, 2026, after delays, the US Department of Justice published a large batch of materials, which included more than 3 million pages, 2,000 videos, and 180,000 photos.

Experts warned that there were serious compliance failures, botched blocking operations that revealed sensitive information about victims, and the damage was often done before records were pulled. Accountability was limited, as only one close person was subject to investigation, according to experts.

The experts said: “The serious errors in the dissemination process underscore the urgent need for victim-centered standard operating procedures for disclosing and redacting information, so that no victim suffers further harm.”.

Protecting the privacy of victims

Experts praised the victims’ courage and resilience in seeking accountability despite great personal sacrifices.

They added: “Failing to protect their privacy exposes them to the risk of retaliation and stigma. The reluctance to fully disclose information or expand investigations has left many survivors feeling repeatedly psychologically traumatized and exposed to what they describe as institutional psychological manipulation.”.

The experts urged the US authorities to urgently address these failures, ensure full disclosure to understand the criminal network’s methods, provide full compensation to the victims for all the harm they suffered, and end impunity for the perpetrators.

The independent experts said “The resignation of those involved alone is not an appropriate alternative to criminal accountability.”. They welcomed steps taken by some governments to investigate current and former officials and individuals mentioned in the files, and called on other countries to follow suit.

They confirmed that “It is essential that governments act decisively to hold perpetrators accountable. No one is above the law, no matter how wealthy or powerful they are.”.

The experts are:

• Reem Al-Salem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences.
• Attia Waris, an independent expert on economic reform policies and foreign debt.
• George Catrogalos, Independent Expert on Promoting a Democratic and Equitable International Order.
• Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing.
• Michael Fakhry, Special Rapporteur on the right to food.
• Ana Brian Nogreres, Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy.
• Heba Hagras, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities.
• Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
• Mariana Katzarova, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation.

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*It is noteworthy that special rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Human Rights Council in Geneva, which is an international body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. Rapporteurs and experts are tasked with studying human rights situations and submitting reports on them to the Council. The experts perform their duties in a personal capacity and completely independent of any government or organization, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and United Nations agencies. Any opinions or positions they express are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the United Nations or the Office of the High Commissioner.