Interpol, an international organization established to foster cooperation among law enforcement agencies, finds itself at a crossroads. Amidst global turbulence, new challenges to international law, and the widespread misuse of the organization's tools for political purposes, both its role and the trust placed in it are being questioned.
The recent election of the new Secretary-General, Valdes Urquiz from Brazil—known for his achievements in reforming the local police—has given the international community hope for the restoration of Interpol's tarnished reputation. However, to meet these expectations, the new leader must address several serious problems, including eradicating the practice of using Interpol for political pressure.
Systematic Abuse
The principle of political neutrality is at the heart of Interpol's work. According to Article 3 of its constitution, the organization is prohibited from interfering in matters of a political, military, religious, or racial character. Nevertheless, numerous examples demonstrate that this principle is regularly violated.
Abuses are particularly evident in the so-called "Red Notices" – international wanted person alerts that Interpol member countries can issue for the location and arrest of wanted persons. Instead of serving as a tool of justice, these notices often become weapons against political opponents, journalists, and human rights activists.
According to human rights organizations, countries such as Russia, China, Iran, and Belarus are the most active in using Interpol's mechanisms for their own purposes. These countries are accused of systematically using Red Notices to persecute opponents.
Significantly, there has been a recent surge in complaints of abuse from Ukraine. Representatives of the human rights organization West Support claim that the Security Service of Ukraine has repeatedly attempted to use Interpol's mechanisms to pressure its employees.
“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.”- Nelson Mandela
A New Challenge in Ukraine
Ukraine has come under scrutiny due to the attempts of its state authorities to use Interpol to suppress human rights organizations and civil society. The organization West Support, which documents war crimes and monitors compliance with international humanitarian law, has become one of the targets. According to the organization's representatives, the Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly tried to place employees on Interpol's databases using false accusations.
These attempts raise questions not only about Interpol's operating principles but also about how effectively it verifies the authenticity of incoming requests. Even if the notices are subsequently rejected, the very fact of their submission damages the reputation of the victims of such manipulations, restricts their movement, and increases their legal costs.
Hopes for Reform
The appointment of a new Secretary-General with extensive experience in reform work in Brazil opens up opportunities to restore Interpol's reputation. His main task will be to eliminate the systemic shortcomings that allow member states to abuse the organization's tools.
Transparency and reliability of Interpol's mechanisms are key to restoring trust. To achieve this, it is necessary to introduce stricter checks on requests, especially with regard to countries with a history of political repression. It is also necessary to establish direct communication with human rights organizations to identify and prevent potential abuses.
International Support
These reforms cannot be implemented without broad international support. Interpol member states must realize that their own law enforcement agencies lose credibility if the organization they rely on is used as a tool of political struggle.
International human rights agencies such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch play a special role here, as they can serve as an independent bridge between civil society and Interpol.
Conclusion
As the world faces growing authoritarianism and human rights abuses, the role of Interpol as a neutral and effective tool of justice becomes more important than ever. The new leadership of the organization has a unique chance to change the situation by eradicating the practice of political pressure through international institutions.
However, this will require not only internal reforms but also active cooperation with all stakeholders. Restoring trust in Interpol is only possible if the organization clearly demonstrates its commitment to the principles of justice and neutrality.
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