Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. UN experts: “Epstein dossier” contains signs of crimes against humanity International law
The collection of documents, often referred to in the press as the “Epstein dossier”, contains “disturbing credible evidence” of systematic and widespread sexual abuse, trafficking and exploitation of women and girls, UN experts said Monday.
In their opinion, the presented materials indicate the possible existence of a transnational criminal network and indicate actions that may fall under the definition of crimes against humanity.
Experts emphasized that the actions recorded in the documents can be classified as sexual slavery, reproductive violence, enforced disappearances, torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, as well as femicide.
“These crimes were committed in an atmosphere of racism, corruption, extreme misogyny and the commercialization of women and girls from different regions of the world,” the statement said.
Definition of crimes against humanity
According to international criminal law, crimes against humanity can include sexual slavery, rape, forced prostitution, human trafficking, persecution, torture and murder if they are committed “as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population.” Experts noted that the patterns of behavior identified in the Epstein dossier may meet these criteria and require prosecution in competent national and international courts.
Errors in the publication of materials
Disclosure of materials takes place within the framework of the Epstein Dossier Transparency Act, signed on November 19, 2025 year. The US Department of Justice published a large dataset on January 30, 2026 – more than three million pages of documents, two thousand videos and 180 thousand images.
Experts warned of serious data processing irregularities: editing errors led to the leaking of sensitive information about victims, causing them further harm before the records were retracted. At the same time, only one close associate of Jeffrey Epstein is under investigation.
“Grave errors in the disclosure process highlight the need for urgent and victim-centered procedures for handling sensitive materials to ensure that no victim is re-traumatized,” the experts said.
Protecting Privacy
Experts noted the courage and resilience of survivors who continue to seek justice despite significant individual risk. A group of survivors recently met with the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls.
Failure to protect privacy puts women at risk of harassment and stigmatization, and limited investigations leave many re-traumatized, experts say.
Call to the USA and other countries
UN experts called on US authorities to correct the mistakes made, ensure full disclosure of information about the methods of the criminal network, guarantee compensation for victims and end impunity. They also emphasized the need to eliminate statutes of limitations for serious crimes related to the activities of Jeffrey Epstein.
“Any statements that it is time to “move on” are unacceptable. This is a denial of responsibility to the victims,” the statement said.
Experts welcomed the steps of individual states that launched investigations against current and former officials, as well as individuals appearing in the materials. They called on other countries to follow suit.
“The failure of governments to effectively investigate and identify those responsible, including those who acted with complicity or acquiescence, undermines legal protections for women and girls from violence,” experts warned. “No one who is super rich or super powerful is above the law.”
Special Rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to address either situations in specific countries or thematic issues in all parts of the world. They are included in special procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special procedures experts are not UN employees and are not dependent on any government or organization. They work in a personal capacity and are not paid for their work.
