The massive collection of documents, photographs, flight logs and other items related to investigations into the activities of the late New York-based financier and child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been the subject of significant legal and political debates in recent months in Washington, DC and beyond.
Transparent research call
“We are gravely concerned about the credible allegations contained in the ‘Epstein files’ of systemic trafficking of young women and girls. for purposes of sexual exploitation and They ask for a complete and transparent investigation.”the two experts said in a statement.
The allegations implicate senior politicians, public figures, diplomats, global business leaders and prominent academics, and describe the widespread trafficking of girls and young women across multiple international borders for decades.
The situation highlights the entrenched discrimination and violence of patriarchal systems of power and the resulting failures of accountability, said Siobhán Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and the five members of the Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls.
The experts emphasized that the Trafficking in children and young women is a serious criminal offense and a serious violation of human rights.and expressed deep concern about the “totally inadequate” response from national governments and law enforcement authorities.
Culture of impunity
“Failure to ensure accountability perpetuates a culture of impunity that disproportionately harms women and girls and undermines the promise of equal protection under international human rights law,” the independent experts’ statement said.
Furthermore, trafficking in children for sexual exploitation destroys childhood and has devastating long-term consequences for victims.
They reminded governments of their obligation to prevent trafficking, protect victims and ensure access to justice and effective remedies, including compensation.
Support for victims
“Victims and survivors must be at the center of effective trauma-informed and gender-sensitive responses to human trafficking.”the statement said.
“They must guarantee medical assistance, including sexual and reproductive health services, psychosocial assistance and measures for social inclusion and long-term recovery.”
Action “long overdue”
With global attention on the case declining, experts called for concrete action, accountability and urgent measures to ensure access to justice, as well as reparations, guarantees of non-repetition and transparency.
“States have an obligation to act, and that obligation is long overdue.”they said.
All independently appointed experts receive their mandates from the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. They are not UN staff and are not paid for their work.