INTERPOL’s latest update on human rights offers new guidance and deeper insight into how requests related to political unrest, sanctions violations or civil disputes are reviewed. This blog explores the implications of this shift, especially amid growing concerns about the misuse of Red Notices in politically sensitive cases.
Background
Through its November 2024 Updated Repository of Practice (the “November 2024 Repository”), INTERPOL has clarified how it assesses member countries’ requests for international police cooperation.
From a human rights perspective, this update is significant, as it outlines how INTERPOL ensures compliance with Articles 2(1) and 3 of its Constitution (the “Constitution”), which requires all activities to align with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (“UDHR”).
While the previous iteration of the Repository of Practice (published in 2013) only addressed Article 3 of the Constitution, the November 2024 Repository comprehensively explains, for the first time, how INTERPOL evaluates compliance with human rights standards.
How does the November 2024 Repository achieve this?
The November 2024 Repository provides examples of both compliant and non-compliant cases, illustrating Interpol’s decision-making process in these situations.
In its foreword, the November 2024 Repository emphasises that as transnational crime has evolved “so have INTERPOL’s efforts in ensuring that the data processed through its channels comply with the Constitution and rules. This revised and updated version of the Repository of Practice now includes guidance on the interpretation and implementation of Article 2(1)”
As well as re-affirming INTERPOL’s commitment to operating in accordance with the UDHR, the November 2024 Repository also provides insight into decision-making in relation to various offences, including:
- Crimes committed by current or former politicians and high-level civil servants in the context of a coup d-etat or situation of social/civil/political unrest
- Crimes related to freedom of assembly or association
- Violations of sanctions
- Crimes involving religious or racial elements
For each type of offence, the November 2024 Repository provides examples of both compliant and non-compliant cases.
This is a very helpful insight into INTERPOL’s approach to situations which may raise human rights concerns.
Updated: 27 March 2025
How Gherson can help
Those who fear that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red (or Blue) Notice and diffusion, should take heed.
Indeed, Gherson Solicitors continue to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who fear they may have outstanding financial issues arising. That advice tackles:
- How to best approach a possible INTERPOL notice;
- Preparing for potential criminal proceedings / an extradition request;
- Preparing for a situation where a civil matter or commercial dispute could be used to initiate bogus criminal proceedings; and
- Even exploring the possibility of instigating civil litigation proceedings to recover any misappropriated assets.
Gherson have previously written a series of blogs designed to assist those who fear they might be subject to INTERPOL measures (including a Blue and a Red Notice):
- What is an INTERPOL Yellow Notice?
- What is an INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice?
- What is an INTERPOL Purple Notice?
- What is an INTERPOL Green Notice and can it be challenged?
- What is an INTERPOL Orange Notice and can it be challenged?
- What is the purpose of an INTERPOL Blue Notice, and can it be challenged?
- What is an INTERPOL Blue Notice?
- INTERPOL and Red Notice Challenges
- How to Remove an INTERPOL Red Notice
- INTERPOL Red Notices and Extradition
- How do I know if I am subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice.
Gherson has over 30 years of experience in assisting with all aspects of INTERPOL, Red Notice challenges and extradition. If you would like to speak to us in respect of any of the issues raised in this blog or about your specific circumstances, do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2025