UN Experts Urge Accountability Over ‘Epstein Files’ Trafficking Allegations

UN Experts Urge Accountability Over ‘Epstein Files’ Trafficking Allegations
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Independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council have called for a full and transparent investigation into allegations of systemic human trafficking detailed in the so-called Epstein files, warning of serious failures in accountability and protection for victims.

The files, released in stages by the U.S. Department of Justice since late 2025, contain documents, flight logs and other materials linked to the activities of deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein. The records reportedly include allegations of trafficking young women and girls across international borders for sexual exploitation over several decades.

In a joint statement, experts including Siobhán Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, expressed concern over what they described as credible evidence of widespread abuse involving influential figures from politics, business and academia.

They emphasized that trafficking of women and children constitutes a grave violation of human rights and criticized what they called an inadequate response by national authorities, warning that failure to act risks perpetuating a “culture of impunity.”

The experts urged governments to ensure victim-centered responses, including access to justice, compensation, medical care and long-term support services. They also stressed states’ legal obligations to prevent trafficking and guarantee accountability.

Calling action “long overdue,” the experts appealed for renewed international attention and concrete measures to address the allegations and support survivors.