Los Files of pedophile Jeffrey Epstein show atrocities contra women and girls of such magnitude, systematic nature y transnational reach that could be legally considered “crimes against humanity,” consider nine UN rapporteurs and experts. The documents released on January 30 by the United States Department of Justice “suggest the existence of a global criminal enterprise” and “reveal terrifying implications about the level of impunity for these crimes,” they said in a joint statement.
Among the signatory experts are the rapporteur on violence against women and girls (Reem Alsalem) and their counterparts on the right to privacy (Ana Brian Nougrères) and freedom of assembly and association (Gina Romero). The files contain mentions of possible cases of sexual slavery, reproductive violence, forced disappearance, torture, inhuman treatment and degrading, and feminicidenoted the experts, who appealed to “all competent national and international courts” to prosecute the alleged crimes.
These were committed “in a context of supremacist beliefs, racism, corruption, extreme misogyny and commodification and dehumanization of women and girls from different parts of the world,” denounced the signatories. They request, therefore, an independent and impartial investigation to determine how such crimes could occur during such a prolonged period of time.
Government responsibility
“It is imperative that governments act decisively to hold perpetrators accountable,” they noted, adding that “no one is too rich or powerful to be above the law.” The experts also regretted “serious failures” in the disclosure of the fileswhich involved the disclosure of sensitive information about the victims.
“Failure to protect their privacy puts them at risk of retaliation and stigmatization,” which is why many may feel revictimized or subjected to manipulation, they denounced.
