Geneva, Feb 16 (EFE)
The files of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein reveal atrocities against women and girls of such magnitude, systematic nature, and transnational scope that they could be legally considered “crimes against humanity,” nine UN rapporteurs and experts declared on Monday.
The documents, released on January 30 by the US Department of Justice, “suggest the existence of a global criminal enterprise” and “reveal terrifying implications regarding the level of impunity for these crimes,” they stated in a joint press release.
The files contain references to possible cases of sexual slavery, reproductive violence, enforced disappearance, torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, and femicide, the experts noted, appealing to “all competent national and international courts” to prosecute the alleged crimes.
These crimes were committed “in a context of supremacist beliefs, racism, corruption, extreme misogyny, and the commodification and dehumanization of women and girls from different parts of the world,” the signatories stated.
They are therefore calling for an independent and impartial investigation to determine how such crimes could have occurred over such a prolonged period.
“It is imperative that governments act decisively to hold the perpetrators accountable,” they stated, adding that “no one is too rich or powerful to be above the law.”
The experts also lamented “serious shortcomings” in the disclosure of the files, which resulted in the release of sensitive information about the victims.
“The failure to protect their privacy puts them at risk of retaliation and stigmatization,” which could lead to many feeling revictimized or subjected to manipulation, they warned.
Among the expert signatories are the rapporteur on violence against women and girls (Reem Alsalem) and her counterparts on the right to privacy (Ana Brian Nougrères) and freedom of assembly and association (Gina Romero).
